United Health Group and the Health Reform Policy Essay

United Health Group and the Health Reform Policy - Essay Example United Health Group and the Health Reform Policy The group strives to provide all people an access to quality health care. The passing of the health care reform act is one of the events that have had measurable effects on the majority of American health insurance industry. This paper will analyze the activities of the group, its strengths, and weaknesses and highlight how health insurance reforms will affect the group’s standing. The united health group operations fall under two main categories. These include the united health care and optum. Under each of these activities, there are distinct business units that define the services offered by united health group. United health care employer and individual unit offers a comprehensive package of health benefit plans specific for the public sector, individuals, employers, and educational institutions. In addition, the united health care Medicare and retirement unit strives to provide Americans aged 50 years and above with health security through preventive services and chronic disease management. Moreover, the united health care community and state unit strives to provide societies and communities to care for those facing economical hardships and those without employer-funded health insurance. On the other hand, optum health strives to enhance the well-being of people in society by offering health management plans that help people live healthier lives. In addition, optum insight offers information concerning the health care sector in society. Optumrx helps in delivering customer prescriptions and integrated pharmacy services. The united group provides such a wide range of health care services in the United States and additional 33 countries. ... For consecutive years, it has managed to remain a dominant leader in the market. Being a leader in the market, the health group has a shorter sales system in the market because vast awareness of its services in the market. In addition, leadership in the market earns the group loyalty from clients. United health group has earned publicity in the United States and is a preferable choice for many people. The fact that united health group has diversified services is an additional strength. The group can make profits from a vast range of services. In addition, the group registers a great financial performance in the health insurance sector. Weaknesses The united health group has several weaknesses that serve to give its competitors an advantage in the market. Statistics show that the company has numerous debts. Being in debt places unwanted pressure on the group because it has to ensure a continuous flow of cash to enable it pay the debts. In addition, debt brings along numerous restricti ons to the group, negatively affecting its operations. Indebtedness affects the company’s financial stability placing it in an unfavorable position in the market. In addition, stock option practices have often affected the company’s reputation in the market. Reports indicate that the company has indulged in unfavorable stock practices affecting its operations (EBSCO Publishing, 2011). The signature of the health care reform act by president Obama had an impact on the insurance sector. The reform introduces a form of regulation by the government, a factor that affects the growth in the industry. The group has the privilege to run the Medicaid insurance plan, which is a contract from the government. The reform requires an increase of the