In this post-shooting and DOGE-era, regulators may be emboldened to make more changes than they otherwise would have on insurers that are seen to be fleecing the system,” explained one analyst.

The health insurance giant has called a new report from WSJ "misinformation," but investors may not be so sure. Shares were down about 9% early Friday.

UnitedHealth Group called The Wall Street Journal's report "misinformation" and said it was unaware of reported investigaiton.

UnitedHealth Group shares tumbled early Friday on a report that the U.S. Department of Justice has started an investigation into the health care giant’s Medicare billing practices

It extends a tumultuous period for UnitedHealth marked by the killing of a top executive, a costly cyberattack against its subsidiary and high medical costs.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) stock crashed on Friday morning in light of a new United States (US) Department of Justice (DOJ) probe into possible overcharging of the federal government entity for retiree health services. UNH stock plunged as much as 12.7% at the open, but shares are now down about 9% closer to lunchtime near $457.

Eden Prairie-based health care giant says it’s not aware of the launch of any new Justice Department activity as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Key Takeaways Shares of UnitedHealth Group sank Friday following a report that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the company's diagnosing practices.The Wall Street Journal reported that the DOJ is probing whether the company tends to over-diagnose conditions that can earn larger Medicare Advantage payouts.

UnitedHealth Group stock is sinking Friday on reports the Justice Department is investigating the health insurer. Here's what to know.