UnitedHealth Earnings: Clients Avoid Doctor, Profits Rise

Wall Street Journal:

UnitedHealth reported a good fourth quarter, beating analysts estimates. One headline: “Fewer Trips to the Doctor Helps UNH 4Q”

Apparently the weak economy has prompted people to avoid the doctor in a bid to save money (co-pays, deductibles, etc.). And, when the insured don’t use insurance, the insurance company rakes it in. Think of the homeowners’ policy that never gets tapped.

Read the full article here. Discuss below.