UnitedHealth Group — Jul 16, 2026 release

Prior Approval Reform The company is removing prior approval requirements, standardizing processes across the industry, cutting back on paperwork and increasing transparency into the prior approval process, making it quicker and simpler for doctors to treat patients. • Eliminating 30% of current prior approval volume by the end of 2026. • Eliminating nearly two-thirds of prior approval requirements for pediatric care, including waivers for certain procedures performed at leading pediatric hospitals by the end of 2026. • Leading an industry-wide effort to standardize prior approval requirements for electronic submissions, with more than 70% of UnitedHealthcare prior approvals expected to be included by the end of 2026. • Publicly reporting prior approval metrics to help care providers and the public better understand the process. • Expanding eligibility for UnitedHealthcare's Gold Card program – exempting high-performing providers from routine approval requirements entirely – and removing requirements for home health services, representing nearly 10% of total UHC prior approval volume. Pharmacy Reform and Drug Affordability To combat high prescription drug costs, the company is lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients and bringing greater transparency to pharmacy benefits, setting a new standard for the industry. • Launched the industry’s first fully transparent, fee-based pharmacy care model to bring greater clarity, predictability and affordability by decoupl