UnitedHealth (UNH) 10-Q 6 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-10864
Entitiy Registrant Name	UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	41-1321939
Entity Address, Address Line One	UnitedHealth Group Center
Entity Address, Address Line Two	9900 Bren Road East
Entity Address, City or Town	Minnetonka,
Entity Address, State or Province	MN
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	55343
City Area Code	952
Local Phone Number	936-1300
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	UNH
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entitiy Central Index Key	0000731766
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		948,379,502

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,569	$ 10,985
Short-term investments	2,876	3,260
Accounts receivable, net	14,613	11,822
Other current receivables, net	10,275	9,640
Assets under management	2,866	3,076
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,608	3,851
Total current assets	58,807	42,634
Long-term investments	36,578	37,209
Property, equipment and capitalized software, net	8,173	8,704
Goodwill	65,302	65,659
Other intangible assets, net	10,199	10,349
Other assets	10,008	9,334
Total assets	189,067	173,889
Current liabilities:
Medical costs payable	22,772	21,690
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	22,845	19,005
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt	15,828	3,870
Unearned revenues	2,509	2,622
Other current liabilities	14,652	14,595
Total current liabilities	78,606	61,782
Long-term debt, less current maturities	35,779	36,808
Deferred income taxes	3,030	2,993
Other liabilities	10,048	10,144
Total liabilities	127,463	111,727
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,741	1,726
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value - 10 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value - 3,000 shares authorized; 947 and 948 issued and outstanding	10	9
Additional Paid in Capital	0	7
Retained earnings	62,327	61,178
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5,360)	(3,578)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	2,886	2,820
Total equity	59,863	60,436
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 189,067	$ 173,889

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares issued	947	948
Common stock, shares outstanding	947	948
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10	10
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Revenues:
Premiums	$ 50,640	$ 47,513
Products	8,431	8,072
Services	4,985	4,318
Investment and other income	365	405
Total revenues	64,421	60,308
Operating costs:
Medical costs	41,000	38,939
Operating costs	10,015	8,517
Cost of products sold	7,687	7,381
Depreciation and amortization	723	639
Total operating costs	59,425	55,476
Earnings from operations	4,996	4,832
Interest expense	(437)	(400)
Earnings before income taxes	4,559	4,432
Provision for income taxes	(1,094)	(875)
Net earnings	3,465	3,557
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(83)	(90)
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 3,382	$ 3,467
Earnings per share attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders:
Basic	$ 3.56	$ 3.62
Diluted	$ 3.52	$ 3.56
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	949	958
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	13	17
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	962	975
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of dilutive effect of common share equivalents	10	8

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Net earnings	$ 3,465	$ 3,557
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Gross unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities during the period	(349)	520
Income tax effect	80	(119)
Total unrealized (losses) gains, net of tax	(269)	401
Gross reclassification adjustment for net realized (gains) losses included in net earnings	(18)	4
Income tax effect	4	(1)
Total reclassification adjustment, net of tax	(14)	3
Total foreign currency translation losses	(1,499)	(2)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,782)	402
Comprehensive income	1,683	3,959
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(83)	(90)
Comprehensive income attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 1,600	$ 3,869

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Net Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Investments [Member]	Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 54,319	$ 10	$ 0	$ 55,846	$ (264)	$ (3,896)	$ 2,623
Balance (Adjustment to adopt ASU 2016-02) at Dec. 31, 2018	(18)			(13)			(5)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		960
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	3,467			3,467
Net earnings attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest							60
Net Earnings, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	3,527
Other comprehensive income (loss)	402				404	(2)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects (in shares)		5
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects	56	$ 0	56
Share-based compensation	239		239
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(12)
Common share repurchases	(3,002)	$ 0	(34)	(2,968)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(860)			(860)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	(152)		(152)
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	23		(109)				132
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(83)						(83)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	54,451	$ 10	0	55,472	140	(3,898)	2,727
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2019		953
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	60,436	$ 9	7	61,178	589	(4,167)	2,820
Balance (Adjustment to Adopt ASU 2016-13) at Dec. 31, 2019	$ (28)			(28)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019	948	948
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 3,382			3,382
Net earnings attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest							59
Net Earnings, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	3,441
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,782)				(283)	(1,499)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects (in shares)		5
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects	321	$ 1	320
Share-based compensation	234		234
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(6)
Common share repurchases	(1,691)	$ 0	(510)	(1,181)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(1,024)			(1,024)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	(51)		(51)
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	50						50
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(43)						(43)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	$ 59,863	$ 10	$ 0	$ 62,327	$ 306	$ (5,666)	$ 2,886
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020	947	947

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 1.08	$ 0.90
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	$ 1,024	$ 860

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 3,465	$ 3,557
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization	723	639
Deferred income taxes	202	134
Share-based compensation	231	243
Other, net	45	42
Net change in other operating items, net of effects from acquisitions and changes in AARP balances:
Accounts receivable	(2,652)	(1,421)
Other assets	(4,249)	(1,495)
Medical costs payable	1,120	1,125
Accounts payable and other liabilities	4,137	318
Unearned revenues	(79)	92
Cash flows from operating activities	2,943	3,234
Investing activities
Purchases of investments	(3,866)	(3,540)
Sales of investments	2,170	1,510
Maturities of investments	1,726	1,711
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash assumed	(929)	(689)
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software	(469)	(562)
Other, net	(165)	154
Cash flows used for investing activities	(1,533)	(1,416)
Financing activities
Common share repurchases	(1,691)	(3,002)
Cash dividends paid	(1,024)	(860)
Proceeds from common stock issuances	557	323
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(1,250)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net	10,797	3,101
Customer funds administered	1,062	1,784
Other, net	(398)	(368)
Cash flows from (used for) financing activities	9,303	(272)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(129)	(5)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	10,584	1,541
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	10,985	10,866
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 21,569	$ 12,407

Basis of Presentation (Notes)

Basis of Presentation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (individually and together with its subsidiaries, “UnitedHealth Group” and “the Company”) is a diversified health care company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping make the health system work better for everyone. Through its diversified family of businesses, the Company leverages core competencies in data and health information; advanced technology; and clinical expertise. These core competencies are deployed within two distinct, but strategically aligned, business platforms: health benefits operating under UnitedHealthcare and health services operating under Optum. The Company has prepared the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has included the accounts of UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company has omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in its annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC ( 2019 10-K). The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present the interim financial statements fairly. Use of Estimates These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company’s most significant estimates include medical costs payable and goodwill. Certain of these estimates require the application of complex assumptions and judgments, often because they involve matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The impact of any change in estimates is included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is adjusted. Revenue from Products For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized revenue and cost of products sold for retail pharmacy co-payments related to its OptumRx business. Revenue recognized in prior periods related to retail pharmacy transactions excludes the member’s applicable co-payment. There was no impact on earnings from operations, net earnings, earnings per share or total equity. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires the use of the current expected credit loss impairment model to develop an estimate of expected credit losses for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-13 also requires expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses and revises certain disclosure requirements. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using a cumulative effect upon adoption approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 was immaterial to the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, results of operations, equity and cash flows. Under the current expected credit loss impairment model, the Company evaluates an available-for-sale debt security for credit-related impairment by considering the present value of expected cash flows relative to a security’s amortized cost, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and specific events or circumstances that may influence the operations of the issuer. Credit-related impairments are recorded as an allowance, with an offset to investment and other income. Non-credit related impairments are recorded through other comprehensive income. If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or will likely be required to sell a security before recovery of the entire amortized cost, the entire impairment is included in net earnings. The Company has determined that there have been no other recently adopted or issued accounting standards that had, or will have, a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Investments [Text Block]	Investments A summary of debt securities by major security type is as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value March 31, 2020 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 3,146 $ 183 $ (1 ) $ 3,328 State and municipal obligations 5,724 214 (20 ) 5,918 Corporate obligations 17,923 182 (411 ) 17,694 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 6,508 260 — 6,768 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,932 28 (36 ) 1,924 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 35,233 867 (468 ) 35,632 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 410 9 — 419 State and municipal obligations 31 2 — 33 Corporate obligations 284 — (1 ) 283 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 725 11 (1 ) 735 Total debt securities $ 35,958 $ 878 $ (469 ) $ 36,367 December 31, 2019 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 3,502 $ 55 $ (4 ) $ 3,553 State and municipal obligations 5,680 251 (5 ) 5,926 Corporate obligations 17,910 343 (11 ) 18,242 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 6,425 109 (6 ) 6,528 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,811 37 (3 ) 1,845 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 35,328 795 (29 ) 36,094 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 402 2 — 404 State and municipal obligations 32 2 — 34 Corporate obligations 538 — (1 ) 537 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 972 4 (1 ) 975 Total debt securities $ 36,300 $ 799 $ (30 ) $ 37,069 The Company held $1.7 billion and $2.0 billion of equity securities as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The Company’s investments in equity securities primarily consist of employee savings plan related investments and shares of Brazilian real denominated fixed-income funds with readily determinable fair values. Additionally, the Company’s investments included $1.4 billion of equity method investments in operating businesses in the health care sector as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 . The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2020 was not material. The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of March 31, 2020 , by contractual maturity, were as follows: Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 3,010 $ 3,011 $ 319 $ 320 Due after one year through five years 11,565 11,604 352 359 Due after five years through ten years 8,563 8,669 28 28 Due after ten years 3,655 3,656 26 28 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 6,508 6,768 — — Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,932 1,924 — — Total debt securities $ 35,233 $ 35,632 $ 725 $ 735 The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (in millions) Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross March 31, 2020 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 56 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ 56 $ (1 ) State and municipal obligations 810 (20 ) — — 810 (20 ) Corporate obligations 9,294 (382 ) 391 (29 ) 9,685 (411 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 841 (33 ) 30 (3 ) 871 (36 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 11,001 $ (436 ) $ 421 $ (32 ) $ 11,422 $ (468 ) December 31, 2019 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 616 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 616 $ (4 ) State and municipal obligations 440 (5 ) — — 440 (5 ) Corporate obligations 1,903 (7 ) 740 (4 ) 2,643 (11 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 657 (3 ) 333 (3 ) 990 (6 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 406 (3 ) — — 406 (3 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 4,022 $ (22 ) $ 1,073 $ (7 ) $ 5,095 $ (29 ) The Company’s unrealized losses from debt securities as of March 31, 2020 were generated from approximately 10,000 positions out of a total of 32,000 positions. The Company believes that it will collect the timely principal and interest due on its debt securities that have an amortized cost in excess of fair value. The unrealized losses were primarily caused by interest rate increases and not by unfavorable changes in the credit quality associated with these securities that impacted our assessment on collectability of principal and interest. At each reporting period, the Company evaluates available-for-sale debt securities for any credit-related impairment when the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. The Company evaluated the expected cash flows, the underlying credit quality and credit ratings of the issuers, and the potential economic impacts of COVID-19 on the issuers, noting no significant credit deterioration since purchase. As of March 31, 2020 , the Company did not have the intent to sell any of the available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position. Therefore, the Company believes these losses to be temporary. The allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities at March 31, 2020 was not material.

Fair Value (Notes)

Fair Value (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value [Text Block]	Fair Value Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements or have fair values disclosed in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. These assets and liabilities are classified into one of three levels of a hierarchy defined by GAAP. For a description of the methods and assumptions that are used to estimate the fair value and determine the fair value hierarchy classification of each class of financial instrument, see Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the 2019 10-K. The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair and Carrying Value March 31, 2020 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,450 $ 119 $ — $ 21,569 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 3,143 185 — 3,328 State and municipal obligations — 5,918 — 5,918 Corporate obligations 59 17,385 250 17,694 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 6,768 — 6,768 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 1,924 — 1,924 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 3,202 32,180 250 35,632 Equity securities 1,394 19 — 1,413 Assets under management 937 1,890 39 2,866 Total assets at fair value $ 26,983 $ 34,208 $ 289 $ 61,480 Percentage of total assets at fair value 44 % 56 % — % 100 % December 31, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,837 $ 148 $ — $ 10,985 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 3,369 184 — 3,553 State and municipal obligations — 5,926 — 5,926 Corporate obligations 70 17,923 249 18,242 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 6,528 — 6,528 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 1,845 — 1,845 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 3,439 32,406 249 36,094 Equity securities 1,734 22 — 1,756 Assets under management 1,123 1,918 35 3,076 Total assets at fair value $ 17,133 $ 34,494 $ 284 $ 51,911 Percentage of total assets at fair value 33 % 66 % 1 % 100 % There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 financial assets or liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019 . The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for certain financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Total Carrying Value March 31, 2020 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 556 $ 91 $ 88 $ 735 $ 725 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 45,272 $ — $ 45,272 $ 40,394 December 31, 2019 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 541 $ 181 $ 253 $ 975 $ 972 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 45,078 $ — $ 45,078 $ 40,278 Nonfinancial assets and liabilities or financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances, such as when the Company records an impairment. There were no significant fair value adjustments for these assets and liabilities recorded during either the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019 .

Medical Costs Payable (Notes)

Medical Costs Payable (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Medical Costs Payable Text Block	Medical Costs Payable The following table shows the components of the change in medical costs payable for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) 2020 2019 Medical costs payable, beginning of period $ 21,690 $ 19,891 Acquisitions — 35 Reported medical costs: Current year 41,580 39,239 Prior years (580 ) (300 ) Total reported medical costs 41,000 38,939 Medical payments: Payments for current year (23,471 ) (22,973 ) Payments for prior years (16,447 ) (14,753 ) Total medical payments (39,918 ) (37,726 ) Medical costs payable, end of period $ 22,772 $ 21,139 For the three months ended March 31, 2020 , prior years medical cost reserve development was primarily driven by lower than expected health system utilization. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 , the prior years medical cost reserve development included no individual factors that were significant. Medical costs payable included reserves for claims incurred by insured customers but not yet reported to the Company of $14.3 billion and $13.8 billion at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt [Text Block]	and Long-Term Debt Short-term borrowings and senior unsecured long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions, except percentages) Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Commercial paper $ 1,214 $ 1,213 $ 1,213 $ 400 $ 400 $ 400 Bank credit facilities 10,000 10,000 10,000 — — — 2.700% notes due July 2020 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,499 1,506 Floating rate notes due October 2020 300 300 296 300 300 300 3.875% notes due October 2020 450 452 452 450 450 455 1.950% notes due October 2020 900 899 900 900 899 900 4.700% notes due February 2021 400 406 407 400 403 410 2.125% notes due March 2021 750 749 750 750 749 753 Floating rate notes due June 2021 350 349 347 350 349 350 3.150% notes due June 2021 400 399 406 400 399 407 3.375% notes due November 2021 500 510 512 500 501 512 2.875% notes due December 2021 750 768 764 750 753 765 2.875% notes due March 2022 1,100 1,114 1,130 1,100 1,087 1,121 3.350% notes due July 2022 1,000 998 1,034 1,000 998 1,036 2.375% notes due October 2022 900 896 912 900 896 911 0.000% notes due November 2022 15 13 14 15 13 14 2.750% notes due February 2023 625 646 640 625 624 638 2.875% notes due March 2023 750 797 777 750 770 770 3.500% notes due June 2023 750 747 788 750 747 786 3.500% notes due February 2024 750 746 794 750 746 792 2.375% notes due August 2024 750 747 767 750 747 760 3.750% notes due July 2025 2,000 1,991 2,161 2,000 1,990 2,161 3.700% notes due December 2025 300 298 323 300 298 325 3.100% notes due March 2026 1,000 996 1,056 1,000 996 1,048 3.450% notes due January 2027 750 746 804 750 746 804 3.375% notes due April 2027 625 620 668 625 620 667 2.950% notes due October 2027 950 939 992 950 939 988 3.850% notes due June 2028 1,150 1,143 1,281 1,150 1,142 1,269 3.875% notes due December 2028 850 843 953 850 843 941 2.875% notes due August 2029 1,000 1,104 1,047 1,000 993 1,029 4.625% notes due July 2035 1,000 992 1,190 1,000 992 1,215 5.800% notes due March 2036 850 838 1,107 850 838 1,129 6.500% notes due June 2037 500 492 691 500 492 712 6.625% notes due November 2037 650 641 910 650 641 940 6.875% notes due February 2038 1,100 1,077 1,613 1,100 1,076 1,631 3.500% notes due August 2039 1,250 1,241 1,348 1,250 1,241 1,313 5.700% notes due October 2040 300 296 405 300 296 396 5.950% notes due February 2041 350 345 484 350 345 475 4.625% notes due November 2041 600 589 742 600 589 716 4.375% notes due March 2042 502 484 601 502 484 580 3.950% notes due October 2042 625 608 711 625 607 688 4.250% notes due March 2043 750 735 885 750 735 856 4.750% notes due July 2045 2,000 1,973 2,547 2,000 1,973 2,463 4.200% notes due January 2047 750 738 881 750 738 861 4.250% notes due April 2047 725 717 853 725 717 839 3.750% notes due October 2047 950 934 1,050 950 934 1,023 4.250% notes due June 2048 1,350 1,330 1,592 1,350 1,330 1,569 4.450% notes due December 2048 1,100 1,086 1,333 1,100 1,086 1,316 3.700% notes due August 2049 1,250 1,235 1,385 1,250 1,235 1,344 3.875% notes due August 2059 1,250 1,229 1,372 1,250 1,228 1,350 Total short-term borrowings and long-term debt $ 50,631 $ 50,509 $ 55,388 $ 39,817 $ 39,474 $ 44,234 The Company’s long-term debt obligations also included $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion of other financing obligations, of which $309 million and $322 million were classified as current as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. Commercial Paper and Bank Credit Facilities Commercial paper consists of short-duration, senior unsecured debt privately placed on a discount basis through broker-dealers. As of March 31, 2020 , the Company’s outstanding commercial paper had a weighted average annual interest rate of 2.4% . The Company has $4.4 billion five-year, $4.4 billion three-year and $3.8 billion 364-day revolving bank credit facilities with 25 banks, which mature in December 2024 , December 2022 and December 2020 , respectively. These facilities provide liquidity support for the Company’s commercial paper program and are available for general corporate purposes. The annual interest rates, which are variable based on term, are calculated based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a credit spread based on the Company’s senior unsecured credit ratings. As of March 31, 2020 , the Company had drawn $1.8 billion , $4.4 billion and $3.8 billion at annual interest rates of 1.6% , 1.6% and 1.7% on its $4.4 billion five-year, $4.4 billion three-year and $3.8 billion 364-day revolving bank credit facilities, respectively. Debt Covenants The Company’s bank credit facilities contain various covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to maintain a defined debt to debt-plus-shareholders’ equity ratio of not more than 60% . The Company was in compliance with its debt covenants as of March 31, 2020 .

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Matters Because of the nature of its businesses, the Company is frequently made party to a variety of legal actions and regulatory inquiries, including class actions and suits brought by members, care providers, consumer advocacy organizations, customers and regulators, relating to the Company’s businesses, including management and administration of health benefit plans and other services. These matters include medical malpractice, employment, intellectual property, antitrust, privacy and contract claims and claims related to health care benefits coverage and other business practices. The Company records liabilities for its estimates of probable costs resulting from these matters where appropriate. Estimates of costs resulting from legal and regulatory matters involving the Company are inherently difficult to predict, particularly where the matters: involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages or may involve fines, penalties or punitive damages; present novel legal theories or represent a shift in regulatory policy; involve a large number of claimants or regulatory bodies; are in the early stages of the proceedings; or could result in a change in business practices. Accordingly, the Company is often unable to estimate the losses or ranges of losses for those matters where there is a reasonable possibility or it is probable that a loss may be incurred. Government Investigations, Audits and Reviews The Company has been involved or is currently involved in various governmental investigations, audits and reviews. These include routine, regular and special investigations, audits and reviews by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), state insurance and health and welfare departments, state attorneys general, the Office of the Inspector General, the Office of Personnel Management, the Office of Civil Rights, the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Congressional committees, the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Defense Contract Audit Agency and other governmental authorities. Similarly, our international businesses are also subject to investigations, audits and reviews by applicable foreign governments, including South American and other non-U.S. governmental authorities. Certain of the Company’s businesses have been reviewed or are currently under review, including for, among other matters, compliance with coding and other requirements under the Medicare risk-adjustment model. CMS has selected certain of the Company’s local plans for risk adjustment data validation (RADV) audits to validate the coding practices of and supporting documentation maintained by health care providers and such audits may result in retrospective adjustments to payments made to the Company’s health plans. On February 14, 2017, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its decision to pursue certain claims within a lawsuit initially asserted against the Company and filed under seal by a whistleblower in 2011. The whistleblower’s complaint, which was unsealed on February 15, 2017, alleges that the Company made improper risk adjustment submissions and violated the False Claims Act. On February 12, 2018, the court granted in part and denied in part the Company’s motion to dismiss. In May 2018, DOJ moved to dismiss the Company’s counterclaims, which were filed in March 2018, and moved for partial summary judgment. In March 2019, the court denied the government’s motion for partial summary judgment and dismissed the Company’s counterclaims without prejudice. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the outcome that may result from this matter given its procedural status.

Segment Financial Information (

Segment Financial Information (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information [Text Block]	Segment Financial Information The Company’s four reportable segments are UnitedHealthcare, OptumHealth, OptumInsight and OptumRx . For more information on the Company’s segments see Part I, Item I, “Business” and Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the 2019 10-K. The following tables present reportable segment financial information: Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare OptumHealth OptumInsight OptumRx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Consolidated Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 48,593 $ 2,047 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,047 $ — $ 50,640 Products — 9 29 8,393 — 8,431 — 8,431 Services 2,278 1,548 891 268 — 2,707 — 4,985 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 50,871 3,604 920 8,661 — 13,185 — 64,056 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 5,452 1,562 12,876 (404 ) 19,486 (19,486 ) — Investment and other income 197 136 12 20 — 168 — 365 Total revenues $ 51,068 $ 9,192 $ 2,494 $ 21,557 $ (404 ) $ 32,839 $ (19,486 ) $ 64,421 Earnings from operations $ 2,888 $ 712 $ 536 $ 860 $ — $ 2,108 $ — $ 4,996 Interest expense — — — — — — (437 ) (437 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 2,888 $ 712 $ 536 $ 860 $ — $ 2,108 $ (437 ) $ 4,559 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 46,501 $ 1,012 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,012 $ — $ 47,513 Products — 8 23 8,041 — 8,072 — 8,072 Services 2,141 1,274 754 149 — 2,177 — 4,318 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 48,642 2,294 777 8,190 — 11,261 — 59,903 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 4,287 1,407 9,613 (359 ) 14,948 (14,948 ) — Investment and other income 254 132 5 14 — 151 — 405 Total revenues $ 48,896 $ 6,713 $ 2,189 $ 17,817 $ (359 ) $ 26,360 $ (14,948 ) $ 60,308 Earnings from operations $ 2,954 $ 626 $ 432 $ 820 $ — $ 1,878 $ — $ 4,832 Interest expense — — — — — — (400 ) (400 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 2,954 $ 626 $ 432 $ 820 $ — $ 1,878 $ (400 ) $ 4,432

Basis of Presentation Basis of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Basis of presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Company has prepared the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements according to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has included the accounts of UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Company has omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in its annual audited Consolidated Financial Statements. Therefore, these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the SEC ( 2019 10-K). The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present the interim financial statements fairly.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company’s most significant estimates include medical costs payable and goodwill. Certain of these estimates require the application of complex assumptions and judgments, often because they involve matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The impact of any change in estimates is included in earnings in the period in which the estimate is adjusted.
Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Revenue from Products For the quarter ended March 31, 2020, the Company recognized revenue and cost of products sold for retail pharmacy co-payments related to its OptumRx business. Revenue recognized in prior periods related to retail pharmacy transactions excludes the member’s applicable co-payment. There was no impact on earnings from operations, net earnings, earnings per share or total equity.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)” (ASU 2016-13). ASU 2016-13 requires the use of the current expected credit loss impairment model to develop an estimate of expected credit losses for certain financial assets. ASU 2016-13 also requires expected credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses and revises certain disclosure requirements. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020 using a cumulative effect upon adoption approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 was immaterial to the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, results of operations, equity and cash flows. Under the current expected credit loss impairment model, the Company evaluates an available-for-sale debt security for credit-related impairment by considering the present value of expected cash flows relative to a security’s amortized cost, the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and specific events or circumstances that may influence the operations of the issuer. Credit-related impairments are recorded as an allowance, with an offset to investment and other income. Non-credit related impairments are recorded through other comprehensive income. If the Company intends to sell an impaired security, or will likely be required to sell a security before recovery of the entire amortized cost, the entire impairment is included in net earnings. The Company has determined that there have been no other recently adopted or issued accounting standards that had, or will have, a material impact on its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments (Policies)

Investments (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments [Abstract]
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	At each reporting period, the Company evaluates available-for-sale debt securities for any credit-related impairment when the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. The Company evaluated the expected cash flows, the underlying credit quality and credit ratings of the issuers, and the potential economic impacts of COVID-19 on the issuers, noting no significant credit deterioration since purchase. As of March 31, 2020

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments [Table Text Block]	A summary of debt securities by major security type is as follows: (in millions) Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value March 31, 2020 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 3,146 $ 183 $ (1 ) $ 3,328 State and municipal obligations 5,724 214 (20 ) 5,918 Corporate obligations 17,923 182 (411 ) 17,694 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 6,508 260 — 6,768 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,932 28 (36 ) 1,924 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 35,233 867 (468 ) 35,632 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 410 9 — 419 State and municipal obligations 31 2 — 33 Corporate obligations 284 — (1 ) 283 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 725 11 (1 ) 735 Total debt securities $ 35,958 $ 878 $ (469 ) $ 36,367 December 31, 2019 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 3,502 $ 55 $ (4 ) $ 3,553 State and municipal obligations 5,680 251 (5 ) 5,926 Corporate obligations 17,910 343 (11 ) 18,242 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 6,425 109 (6 ) 6,528 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,811 37 (3 ) 1,845 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 35,328 795 (29 ) 36,094 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 402 2 — 404 State and municipal obligations 32 2 — 34 Corporate obligations 538 — (1 ) 537 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 972 4 (1 ) 975 Total debt securities $ 36,300 $ 799 $ (30 ) $ 37,069
Investments by Contractual Maturity [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of March 31, 2020 , by contractual maturity, were as follows: Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity (in millions) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 3,010 $ 3,011 $ 319 $ 320 Due after one year through five years 11,565 11,604 352 359 Due after five years through ten years 8,563 8,669 28 28 Due after ten years 3,655 3,656 26 28 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 6,508 6,768 — — Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,932 1,924 — — Total debt securities $ 35,233 $ 35,632 $ 725 $ 735
Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses by Investment Type and Length of Time that Individual Securities have been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Table Text Block]	The fair value of available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses by major security type and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows: Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Greater Total (in millions) Fair Value Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Gross Fair Value Gross March 31, 2020 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 56 $ (1 ) $ — $ — $ 56 $ (1 ) State and municipal obligations 810 (20 ) — — 810 (20 ) Corporate obligations 9,294 (382 ) 391 (29 ) 9,685 (411 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 841 (33 ) 30 (3 ) 871 (36 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 11,001 $ (436 ) $ 421 $ (32 ) $ 11,422 $ (468 ) December 31, 2019 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 616 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 616 $ (4 ) State and municipal obligations 440 (5 ) — — 440 (5 ) Corporate obligations 1,903 (7 ) 740 (4 ) 2,643 (11 ) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 657 (3 ) 333 (3 ) 990 (6 ) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 406 (3 ) — — 406 (3 ) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 4,022 $ (22 ) $ 1,073 $ (7 ) $ 5,095 $ (29 )

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Financial Assets and Liabilities, Measured at Fair Value Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair and Carrying Value March 31, 2020 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,450 $ 119 $ — $ 21,569 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 3,143 185 — 3,328 State and municipal obligations — 5,918 — 5,918 Corporate obligations 59 17,385 250 17,694 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 6,768 — 6,768 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 1,924 — 1,924 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 3,202 32,180 250 35,632 Equity securities 1,394 19 — 1,413 Assets under management 937 1,890 39 2,866 Total assets at fair value $ 26,983 $ 34,208 $ 289 $ 61,480 Percentage of total assets at fair value 44 % 56 % — % 100 % December 31, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,837 $ 148 $ — $ 10,985 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 3,369 184 — 3,553 State and municipal obligations — 5,926 — 5,926 Corporate obligations 70 17,923 249 18,242 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 6,528 — 6,528 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 1,845 — 1,845 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 3,439 32,406 249 36,094 Equity securities 1,734 22 — 1,756 Assets under management 1,123 1,918 35 3,076 Total assets at fair value $ 17,133 $ 34,494 $ 284 $ 51,911 Percentage of total assets at fair value 33 % 66 % 1 % 100 %
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a summary of fair value measurements by level and carrying values for certain financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets: (in millions) Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Fair Value Total Carrying Value March 31, 2020 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 556 $ 91 $ 88 $ 735 $ 725 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 45,272 $ — $ 45,272 $ 40,394 December 31, 2019 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 541 $ 181 $ 253 $ 975 $ 972 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 45,078 $ — $ 45,078 $ 40,278

Medical Costs Payable (Tables)

Medical Costs Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]	The following table shows the components of the change in medical costs payable for the three months ended March 31: (in millions) 2020 2019 Medical costs payable, beginning of period $ 21,690 $ 19,891 Acquisitions — 35 Reported medical costs: Current year 41,580 39,239 Prior years (580 ) (300 ) Total reported medical costs 41,000 38,939 Medical payments: Payments for current year (23,471 ) (22,973 ) Payments for prior years (16,447 ) (14,753 ) Total medical payments (39,918 ) (37,726 ) Medical costs payable, end of period $ 22,772 $ 21,139

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper and Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block]	and senior unsecured long-term debt consisted of the following: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions, except percentages) Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Par Value Carrying Value Fair Value Commercial paper $ 1,214 $ 1,213 $ 1,213 $ 400 $ 400 $ 400 Bank credit facilities 10,000 10,000 10,000 — — — 2.700% notes due July 2020 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,499 1,506 Floating rate notes due October 2020 300 300 296 300 300 300 3.875% notes due October 2020 450 452 452 450 450 455 1.950% notes due October 2020 900 899 900 900 899 900 4.700% notes due February 2021 400 406 407 400 403 410 2.125% notes due March 2021 750 749 750 750 749 753 Floating rate notes due June 2021 350 349 347 350 349 350 3.150% notes due June 2021 400 399 406 400 399 407 3.375% notes due November 2021 500 510 512 500 501 512 2.875% notes due December 2021 750 768 764 750 753 765 2.875% notes due March 2022 1,100 1,114 1,130 1,100 1,087 1,121 3.350% notes due July 2022 1,000 998 1,034 1,000 998 1,036 2.375% notes due October 2022 900 896 912 900 896 911 0.000% notes due November 2022 15 13 14 15 13 14 2.750% notes due February 2023 625 646 640 625 624 638 2.875% notes due March 2023 750 797 777 750 770 770 3.500% notes due June 2023 750 747 788 750 747 786 3.500% notes due February 2024 750 746 794 750 746 792 2.375% notes due August 2024 750 747 767 750 747 760 3.750% notes due July 2025 2,000 1,991 2,161 2,000 1,990 2,161 3.700% notes due December 2025 300 298 323 300 298 325 3.100% notes due March 2026 1,000 996 1,056 1,000 996 1,048 3.450% notes due January 2027 750 746 804 750 746 804 3.375% notes due April 2027 625 620 668 625 620 667 2.950% notes due October 2027 950 939 992 950 939 988 3.850% notes due June 2028 1,150 1,143 1,281 1,150 1,142 1,269 3.875% notes due December 2028 850 843 953 850 843 941 2.875% notes due August 2029 1,000 1,104 1,047 1,000 993 1,029 4.625% notes due July 2035 1,000 992 1,190 1,000 992 1,215 5.800% notes due March 2036 850 838 1,107 850 838 1,129 6.500% notes due June 2037 500 492 691 500 492 712 6.625% notes due November 2037 650 641 910 650 641 940 6.875% notes due February 2038 1,100 1,077 1,613 1,100 1,076 1,631 3.500% notes due August 2039 1,250 1,241 1,348 1,250 1,241 1,313 5.700% notes due October 2040 300 296 405 300 296 396 5.950% notes due February 2041 350 345 484 350 345 475 4.625% notes due November 2041 600 589 742 600 589 716 4.375% notes due March 2042 502 484 601 502 484 580 3.950% notes due October 2042 625 608 711 625 607 688 4.250% notes due March 2043 750 735 885 750 735 856 4.750% notes due July 2045 2,000 1,973 2,547 2,000 1,973 2,463 4.200% notes due January 2047 750 738 881 750 738 861 4.250% notes due April 2047 725 717 853 725 717 839 3.750% notes due October 2047 950 934 1,050 950 934 1,023 4.250% notes due June 2048 1,350 1,330 1,592 1,350 1,330 1,569 4.450% notes due December 2048 1,100 1,086 1,333 1,100 1,086 1,316 3.700% notes due August 2049 1,250 1,235 1,385 1,250 1,235 1,344 3.875% notes due August 2059 1,250 1,229 1,372 1,250 1,228 1,350 Total short-term borrowings and long-term debt $ 50,631 $ 50,509 $ 55,388 $ 39,817 $ 39,474 $ 44,234

Segment Financial Information_2

Segment Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare OptumHealth OptumInsight OptumRx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Consolidated Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 48,593 $ 2,047 $ — $ — $ — $ 2,047 $ — $ 50,640 Products — 9 29 8,393 — 8,431 — 8,431 Services 2,278 1,548 891 268 — 2,707 — 4,985 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 50,871 3,604 920 8,661 — 13,185 — 64,056 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 5,452 1,562 12,876 (404 ) 19,486 (19,486 ) — Investment and other income 197 136 12 20 — 168 — 365 Total revenues $ 51,068 $ 9,192 $ 2,494 $ 21,557 $ (404 ) $ 32,839 $ (19,486 ) $ 64,421 Earnings from operations $ 2,888 $ 712 $ 536 $ 860 $ — $ 2,108 $ — $ 4,996 Interest expense — — — — — — (437 ) (437 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 2,888 $ 712 $ 536 $ 860 $ — $ 2,108 $ (437 ) $ 4,559 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 46,501 $ 1,012 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,012 $ — $ 47,513 Products — 8 23 8,041 — 8,072 — 8,072 Services 2,141 1,274 754 149 — 2,177 — 4,318 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 48,642 2,294 777 8,190 — 11,261 — 59,903 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 4,287 1,407 9,613 (359 ) 14,948 (14,948 ) — Investment and other income 254 132 5 14 — 151 — 405 Total revenues $ 48,896 $ 6,713 $ 2,189 $ 17,817 $ (359 ) $ 26,360 $ (14,948 ) $ 60,308 Earnings from operations $ 2,954 $ 626 $ 432 $ 820 $ — $ 1,878 $ — $ 4,832 Interest expense — — — — — — (400 ) (400 ) Earnings before income taxes $ 2,954 $ 626 $ 432 $ 820 $ — $ 1,878 $ (400 ) $ 4,432

Basis of Presentation Basis o_2

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation, Uses of Estimates and Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	Jan. 01, 2020
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Retrospective Application Impracticable [true false]	true

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) number in Thousands, $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
Equity Securities, FV-NI and without Readily Determinable Fair Value	$ 1.7	$ 2
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions	10
Total number of security positions	32
Equity Method Investments	$ 1.4	$ 1.4

Investments (Short-Term and Lon

Investments (Short-Term and Long-Term Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	$ 35,233	$ 35,328
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	867	795
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(468)	(29)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	35,632	36,094
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	725	972
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	11	4
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	(1)	(1)
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	735	975
Total debt securities, Amortized Cost	35,958	36,300
Total debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	878	799
Total debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(469)	(30)
Debt securities, Fair Value Disclosure	36,367	37,069
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	35,632	36,094
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	3,146	3,502
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	183	55
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1)	(4)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,328	3,553
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	410	402
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	9	2
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	419	404
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	5,724	5,680
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	214	251
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(20)	(5)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,918	5,926
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	31	32
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	2	2
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	33	34
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	17,923	17,910
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	182	343
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(411)	(11)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	17,694	18,242
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	284	538
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	(1)	(1)
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	283	537
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	6,508	6,425
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	260	109
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	(6)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,768	6,528
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	1,932	1,811
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	28	37
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(36)	(3)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 1,924	$ 1,845

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$ 3,010
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	11,565
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	8,563
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	3,655
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	35,233	$ 35,328
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	3,011
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	11,604
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	8,669
Due after ten years, Fair Value	3,656
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	35,632	36,094
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One	319
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five	352
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10	28
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10	26
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity	725	972
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	320
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five	359
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10	28
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10	28
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	735	975
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	6,508
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	6,508	6,425
Mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value	6,768
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,768	6,528
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	1,932
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	1,932	1,811
Mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value	1,924
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 1,924	$ 1,845

Investments (Fair Value of Avai

Investments (Fair Value of Available-For-Sale Investments with Gross Unrealized Losses by Investment Type and Length of Time That Individual Securities Have Been in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 11,001	$ 4,022
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(436)	(22)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	421	1,073
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(32)	(7)
Total, Fair Value	11,422	5,095
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(468)	(29)
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	56	616
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1)	(4)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total, Fair Value	56	616
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1)	(4)
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	810	440
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(20)	(5)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total, Fair Value	810	440
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(20)	(5)
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	9,294	1,903
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(382)	(7)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	391	740
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(29)	(4)
Total, Fair Value	9,685	2,643
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(411)	(11)
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value		657
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		(3)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value		333
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses		(3)
Total, Fair Value		990
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		(6)
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	841	406
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(33)	(3)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	30	0
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(3)	0
Total, Fair Value	871	406
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (36)	$ (3)

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value [Line Items]
Transfers Into Level 3	$ 0	$ 0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value [Line Items]
Significant fair value adjustments for assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Financial Assets an

Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,569	$ 10,985
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	35,632	36,094
Equity Securities, Fair Value	1,413	1,756
Assets under management	2,866	3,076
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	61,480	51,911
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	35,632	36,094
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,328	3,553
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,918	5,926
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	17,694	18,242
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,768	6,528
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,924	1,845
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	21,450	10,837
Equity Securities, Fair Value	1,394	1,734
Assets under management	937	1,123
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	26,983	17,133
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,202	3,439
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,143	3,369
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	59	70
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	119	148
Equity Securities, Fair Value	19	22
Assets under management	1,890	1,918
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	34,208	34,494
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	32,180	32,406
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	185	184
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,918	5,926
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	17,385	17,923
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6,768	6,528
Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,924	1,845
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Equity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Assets under management	39	35
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	289	284
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	250	249
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	250	249
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Financial Assets _2

Fair Value (Financial Assets and Liabilities, Not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	$ 735	$ 975
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity	725	972
Debt and other financing obligations, carrying value	50,509	39,474
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	735	975
Debt and other financing obligations	45,272	45,078
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	556	541
Debt and other financing obligations	0	0
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	91	181
Debt and other financing obligations	45,272	45,078
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	88	253
Debt and other financing obligations	0	0
Long-term debt and other financing obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt and other financing obligations, carrying value	$ 40,394	$ 40,278

Medical Costs Payable (Narrativ

Medical Costs Payable (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	$ 14.3	$ 13.8

Medical Costs Payable Rollforwa

Medical Costs Payable Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Medical costs payable, beginning of period	$ 21,690	$ 19,891
Acquisitions	0	35
Reported medical costs:
Current year	41,580	39,239
Prior years	(580)	(300)
Total reported medical costs	41,000	38,939
Medical payments:
Payments for current year	(23,471)	(22,973)
Payments for prior years	(16,447)	(14,753)
Total medical payments	(39,918)	(37,726)
Medical costs payable, end of period	$ 22,772	$ 21,139

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_3

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank credit facilities	$ 10,000	$ 0
Five year $4.4 billion credit facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	4,400
Bank credit facilities	$ 1,800
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.60%
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period	5 years
Three year $4.4 billion credit facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 4,400
Bank credit facilities	$ 4,400
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.60%
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period	3 years
364 day $3.8 billion credit facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit, Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,800
Bank credit facilities	$ 3,800
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	1.70%
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Period	364 days
Subsidiaries [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Other Long-term Debt	$ 1,100	1,200
Other Long-term Debt, Current	$ 309	$ 322
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time	2.40%

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_4

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank credit facilities	$ 10,000	$ 0
Par Value	50,631	39,817
Carrying value, Combined Amount	50,509	39,474
Fair Value	55,388	44,234
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper	1,213	400
Par Value	1,214	400
Fair Value	$ 1,213	400
2.700% Notes due July 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.70%
Par Value	$ 1,500	1,500
Carrying Value, Current	1,500	1,499
Fair Value	1,500	1,506
Floating rate notes due October 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	300	300
Carrying Value, Current	300	300
Fair Value	$ 296	300
3.875% notes due October 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.875%
Par Value	$ 450	450
Carrying Value, Current	452	450
Fair Value	$ 452	455
1.950% notes due October 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.95%
Par Value	$ 900	900
Carrying Value, Current	899	899
Fair Value	$ 900	900
4.700% notes due February 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.70%
Par Value	$ 400	400
Carrying Value, Current	406
Carrying Value, Noncurrent		403
Fair Value	$ 407	410
2.125% notes due March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.125%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Current	749
Carrying Value, Noncurrent		749
Fair Value	750	753
Floating rate notes due June 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	350	350
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	349	349
Fair Value	$ 347	350
3.150% notes due June 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.15%
Par Value	$ 400	400
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	399	399
Fair Value	$ 406	407
3.375% notes due November 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.375%
Par Value	$ 500	500
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	510	501
Fair Value	$ 512	512
2.875% notes due December 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.875%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	768	753
Fair Value	$ 764	765
2.875% notes due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.875%
Par Value	$ 1,100	1,100
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,114	1,087
Fair Value	$ 1,130	1,121
3.350% notes due July 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.35%
Par Value	$ 1,000	1,000
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	998	998
Fair Value	$ 1,034	1,036
2.375% notes due October 2022 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.375%
Par Value	$ 900	900
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	896	896
Fair Value	$ 912	911
Zero Coupon notes due November 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	0.00%
Par Value	$ 15	15
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	13	13
Fair Value	$ 14	14
2.750% notes due February 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.75%
Par Value	$ 625	625
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	646	624
Fair Value	$ 640	638
2.875% notes due March 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.875%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	797	770
Fair Value	$ 777	770
3.500% notes due June 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	747	747
Fair Value	$ 788	786
3.500% notes due February 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	746	746
Fair Value	$ 794	792
2.375% notes due August 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.375%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	747	747
Fair Value	$ 767	760
3.750% notes due July 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.75%
Par Value	$ 2,000	2,000
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,991	1,990
Fair Value	$ 2,161	2,161
3.700% notes due December 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.70%
Par Value	$ 300	300
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	298	298
Fair Value	$ 323	325
3.100% notes due March 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.10%
Par Value	$ 1,000	1,000
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	996	996
Fair Value	$ 1,056	1,048
3.450% notes due January 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.45%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	746	746
Fair Value	$ 804	804
3.375% notes due April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.375%
Par Value	$ 625	625
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	620	620
Fair Value	$ 668	667
2.950% notes due October 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.95%
Par Value	$ 950	950
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	939	939
Fair Value	$ 992	988
3.850% notes due June 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.85%
Par Value	$ 1,150	1,150
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,143	1,142
Fair Value	$ 1,281	1,269
3.875% notes due December 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.875%
Par Value	$ 850	850
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	843	843
Fair Value	$ 953	941
2.875% notes due August 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.875%
Par Value	$ 1,000	1,000
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,104	993
Fair Value	$ 1,047	1,029
4.625% notes due July 2035 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.625%
Par Value	$ 1,000	1,000
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	992	992
Fair Value	$ 1,190	1,215
5.800% notes due March 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.80%
Par Value	$ 850	850
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	838	838
Fair Value	$ 1,107	1,129
6.500% Notes Due June 2037 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.50%
Par Value	$ 500	500
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	492	492
Fair Value	$ 691	712
6.625% Notes due November 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.625%
Par Value	$ 650	650
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	641	641
Fair Value	$ 910	940
6.875% notes due February 2038 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.875%
Par Value	$ 1,100	1,100
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,077	1,076
Fair Value	$ 1,613	1,631
3.500% notes due August 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.50%
Par Value	$ 1,250	1,250
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,241	1,241
Fair Value	$ 1,348	1,313
5.700% notes due October 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.70%
Par Value	$ 300	300
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	296	296
Fair Value	$ 405	396
5.950% notes due February 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.95%
Par Value	$ 350	350
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	345	345
Fair Value	$ 484	475
4.625% notes due November 2041 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.625%
Par Value	$ 600	600
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	589	589
Fair Value	$ 742	716
4.375% notes due March 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.375%
Par Value	$ 502	502
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	484	484
Fair Value	$ 601	580
3.950% notes due October 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.95%
Par Value	$ 625	625
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	608	607
Fair Value	$ 711	688
4.250% notes due March 2043 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	735	735
Fair Value	$ 885	856
4.750% notes due July 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%
Par Value	$ 2,000	2,000
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,973	1,973
Fair Value	$ 2,547	2,463
4.200% notes due January 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.20%
Par Value	$ 750	750
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	738	738
Fair Value	$ 881	861
4.250% notes due April 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%
Par Value	$ 725	725
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	717	717
Fair Value	$ 853	839
3.750% notes due October 2047 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.75%
Par Value	$ 950	950
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	934	934
Fair Value	$ 1,050	1,023
4.250% notes due June 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%
Par Value	$ 1,350	1,350
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,330	1,330
Fair Value	$ 1,592	1,569
4.450% notes due December 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.45%
Par Value	$ 1,100	1,100
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,086	1,086
Fair Value	$ 1,333	1,316
3.700% notes due August 2049 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.70%
Par Value	$ 1,250	1,250
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,235	1,235
Fair Value	$ 1,385	1,344
3.875% notes due August 2059 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.875%
Par Value	$ 1,250	1,250
Carrying Value, Noncurrent	1,229	1,228
Fair Value	$ 1,372	$ 1,350

Segment Financial Information_3

Segment Financial Information (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	4

Segment Financial Information_4

Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	$ 50,640	$ 47,513
Products	8,431	8,072
Services	4,985	4,318
Investment and other income	365	405
Total revenues	64,421	60,308
Earnings from operations	4,996	4,832
Interest expense	(437)	(400)
Earnings before income taxes	4,559	4,432
Optum
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	168	151
Total revenues	32,839	26,360
Earnings from operations	2,108	1,878
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	2,108	1,878
Unaffiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	50,640	47,513
Products	8,431	8,072
Services	4,985	4,318
Total revenues	64,056	59,903
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	2,047	1,012
Products	8,431	8,072
Services	2,707	2,177
Total revenues	13,185	11,261
Affiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Affiliated Customers | Optum
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	19,486	14,948
Operating Segments | UnitedHealthcare
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	197	254
Total revenues	51,068	48,896
Earnings from operations	2,888	2,954
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	2,888	2,954
Operating Segments | OptumHealth
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	136	132
Total revenues	9,192	6,713
Earnings from operations	712	626
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	712	626
Operating Segments | OptumInsight
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	12	5
Total revenues	2,494	2,189
Earnings from operations	536	432
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	536	432
Operating Segments | OptumRx
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	20	14
Total revenues	21,557	17,817
Earnings from operations	860	820
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	860	820
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	48,593	46,501
Products	0	0
Services	2,278	2,141
Total revenues	50,871	48,642
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | OptumHealth
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	2,047	1,012
Products	9	8
Services	1,548	1,274
Total revenues	3,604	2,294
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | OptumInsight
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0
Products	29	23
Services	891	754
Total revenues	920	777
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | OptumRx
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0
Products	8,393	8,041
Services	268	149
Total revenues	8,661	8,190
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | OptumHealth
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,452	4,287
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | OptumInsight
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,562	1,407
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | OptumRx
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	12,876	9,613
Optum Eliminations
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0
Total revenues	(404)	(359)
Earnings from operations	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	0	0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0
Products	0	0
Services	0	0
Total revenues	0	0
Optum Eliminations | Affiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	(404)	(359)
Corporate and Eliminations
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0
Total revenues	(19,486)	(14,948)
Earnings from operations	0	0
Interest expense	(437)	(400)
Earnings before income taxes	(437)	(400)
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0
Products	0	0
Services	0	0
Total revenues	0	0
Corporate and Eliminations | Affiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (19,486)	$ (14,948)