U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren have initiated an investigation into UnitedHealth Group concerning alleged concealed payments to nursing homes. The probe focuses on reports that UnitedHealth provided bonuses to nursing homes for reducing hospital admissions, even when patients were ill. This inquiry aims to uncover the details behind these payments and assess their impact on patient care and Medicare practices. Additionally, a STAT investigation has highlighted how UnitedHealth employs research mechanisms to protect its Medicare profits, including scrutiny of compliance with coding and other requirements under the Medicare risk-adjustment model. UnitedHealth's business practices are currently under review amid these concerns.