Dr. Patrick Conway, who was named CEO of Optum in May, is also taking on the position of leading Optum Health, according to a statement from the company.
A spokesperson for UnitedHealth said Conway's experience in value-based care, where payment is generated from keeping patients healthy, drove the health insurer's new appointment, according to Reuters.
Former Optum Health CEO Amar Desai has been named vice chairman of the unit, the report said.
"The strength of this organization lies in our resilience, restlessness and the profound sense of compassion and accountability we feel to make healthcare work better for every person who needs it. Leadership changes are consistent with the company's longstanding, intentional approach to develop an executive team with a range of experiences across its diverse portfolio of businesses and in ongoing service to its mission and the people it serves," said a company spokesman by statement.
Conway has also led Optum Rx and formerly headed Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The move is the latest in a series of changes for the company.
In May, citing personal reasons, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty announced he would step down and that the company would be suspending its 2025 outlook based on an unexpectedly poor earnings performance.
The company experienced higher care costs in its Medicare Advantage business and unexpected changes in Optum Health members' profiles, which was expected to affect reimbursement this year.
Witty was replaced by Stephen J. Hemsley, who served as company CEO from 2006-2017.
THE LARGER TREND
In December 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in a targeted shooting as he was walking toward the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan to attend an investor's conference.
The company faced a backlash of anger from people who agreed with a manifesto by alleged shooter Luigi Mangione over corporate claim denials.
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org