UnitedHealth medical care costs rise in fourth quarter

Investing.com -- UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) has reported a jump in medical care costs in the fourth quarter, although growth in the healthcare giant's services businesses and investments helped push adjusted earnings per share above average analyst expectations.

The group's medical care ratio -- a measure of expenditures on claims versus premiums collected -- stood at 85% in the three months ended on Dec. 31, ticking up from 82.8% in the corresponding period last year and 82.3% in the third quarter.

Health insurers have warned in recent months that more older adults are choosing to go ahead with elective surgeries following the lifting of pandemic-era restrictions, potentially increasing expenses.

Shares in UnitedHealth were slightly lower in premarket U.S. trading on Friday.

This is a developing story. Please check back later for updates.

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