UnitedHealth (UNH) 10-Q 6 Nov 23 2023 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Oct. 31, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2023
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	UNH
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
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
Entitiy Central Index Key	0000731766
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		924,925,293

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 38,915	$ 23,365
Short-term investments	5,182	4,546
Accounts receivable, net	20,673	17,681
Other current receivables, net	17,752	12,769
Assets under management	3,616	4,087
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,767	6,621
Total current assets	91,905	69,069
Long-term investments	45,474	43,728
Property, equipment and capitalized software, net	11,070	10,128
Goodwill	101,703	93,352
Other intangible assets, net	15,200	14,401
Other assets	16,711	15,027
Total assets	282,063	245,705
Current liabilities:
Medical costs payable	32,792	29,056
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	31,164	27,715
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt	5,290	3,110
Unearned revenues	15,311	3,075
Other current liabilities	29,622	26,281
Total current liabilities	114,179	89,237
Long-term debt, less current maturities	58,079	54,513
Deferred income taxes	2,210	2,769
Other liabilities	13,615	12,839
Total liabilities	188,083	159,358
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	4,416	4,897
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; 925 and 934 issued and outstanding	9	9
Retained earnings	93,173	86,156
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,688)	(8,393)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	5,070	3,678
Total equity	89,564	81,450
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 282,063	$ 245,705
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
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	3,000	3,000
Common stock, shares issued	925	934
Common stock, shares outstanding	925	934

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Revenues:
Premiums	$ 72,339	$ 64,491	$ 217,599	$ 192,457
Investment and other income	997	513	2,910	1,175
Total revenues	92,361	80,894	277,195	241,375
Operating costs:
Medical costs	59,550	52,635	179,663	157,251
Operating costs	13,855	11,663	41,289	34,773
Cost of products sold	9,423	8,306	28,576	25,389
Depreciation and amortization	1,007	828	2,998	2,418
Total operating costs	83,835	73,432	252,526	219,831
Earnings from operations	8,526	7,462	24,669	21,544
Interest expense	(834)	(516)	(2,416)	(1,416)
Earnings before income taxes	7,692	6,946	22,253	20,128
Provision for income taxes	(1,654)	(1,562)	(4,784)	(4,397)
Net earnings	6,038	5,384	17,469	15,731
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(197)	(122)	(543)	(372)
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 5,841	$ 5,262	$ 16,926	$ 15,359
Earnings per share attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders:
Basic	$ 6.31	$ 5.63	$ 18.20	$ 16.37
Diluted	$ 6.24	$ 5.55	$ 18.01	$ 16.15
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	926	935	930	938
Dilutive effect of common share equivalents	10	13	10	13
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	936	948	940	951
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of dilutive effect of common share equivalents	6	3	6	3
Products
Revenues:
Revenue from Products and Services	$ 10,354	$ 9,190	$ 31,272	$ 28,026
Services
Revenues:
Revenue from Products and Services	$ 8,671	$ 6,700	$ 25,414	$ 19,717

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Net earnings	$ 6,038	$ 5,384	$ 17,469	$ 15,731
Other comprehensive loss:
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities during the period	(893)	(1,471)	(684)	(4,825)
Income tax effect	204	340	156	1,109
Total unrealized losses, net of tax	(689)	(1,131)	(528)	(3,716)
Gross reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net earnings	7	138	(27)	134
Income tax effect	(2)	(32)	6	(31)
Total reclassification adjustment, net of tax	5	106	(21)	103
Total foreign currency translation (losses) gains	(354)	(331)	254	(89)
Other comprehensive loss	(1,038)	(1,356)	(295)	(3,702)
Comprehensive income	5,000	4,028	17,174	12,029
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(197)	(122)	(543)	(372)
Comprehensive income attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 4,803	$ 3,906	$ 16,631	$ 11,657

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 (Losses) Gains [Member]	Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	$ 75,045	$ 10	$ 0	$ 77,134	$ 423	$ (5,807)	$ 3,285
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021		941
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	15,359			15,359
Net earnings attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest							281
Net Earnings, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	15,640
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(3,702)				(3,613)	(89)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects (in shares)		6
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects	801	$ 0	801
Share-based compensation	639		639
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(12)
Common share repurchases	(6,000)	$ 0	(1,679)	(4,321)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(4,450)			(4,450)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	239		239
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	135						135
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(283)						(283)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2022	$ 78,064	$ 10	0	83,722	(3,190)	(5,896)	3,418
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022		935
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 4.75
Balance at Jun. 30, 2022	$ 76,205	$ 10	0	80,540	(2,165)	(5,565)	3,385
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2022		935
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	5,262			5,262
Net earnings attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest							99
Net Earnings, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	5,361
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,356)				(1,025)	(331)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects (in shares)		2
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects	294	$ 0	294
Share-based compensation	163		163
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(2)
Common share repurchases	(1,000)	$ 0	(462)	(538)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(1,542)			(1,542)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	5		5
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	32						32
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(98)						(98)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2022	$ 78,064	$ 10	0	83,722	(3,190)	(5,896)	3,418
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022		935
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 1.65
Balance at Dec. 31, 2022	$ 81,450	$ 9	0	86,156	(2,778)	(5,615)	3,678
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022	934	934
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 16,926			16,926
Net earnings attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest							401
Net Earnings, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	17,327
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(295)				(549)	254
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects (in shares)		4
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects	963	$ 0	963
Share-based compensation	833		833
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(13)
Common share repurchases	(6,549)	$ 0	(1,663)	(4,886)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(5,023)			(5,023)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	(133)		(133)
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	1,339						1,339
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(348)						(348)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2023	$ 89,564	$ 9	0	93,173	(3,327)	(5,361)	5,070
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023	925	925
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 5.41
Balance at Jun. 30, 2023	$ 87,368	$ 9	0	89,994	(2,643)	(5,007)	5,015
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2023		927
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	5,841			5,841
Net earnings attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interest							149
Net Earnings, Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	5,990
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(1,038)				(684)	(354)
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects (in shares)		1
Issuances of common stock, and related tax effects	395	$ 0	395
Share-based compensation	235		235
Common share repurchases (in shares)		(3)
Common share repurchases	(1,511)	$ 0	(588)	(923)
Cash dividends paid on common shares	(1,739)			(1,739)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value and other adjustments	(42)		(42)
Acquisition and other adjustments of nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	42						42
Distribution to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(136)						(136)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2023	$ 89,564	$ 9	$ 0	$ 93,173	$ (3,327)	$ (5,361)	$ 5,070
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023	925	925
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 1.88

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 17,469	$ 15,731
Noncash items:
Depreciation and amortization	2,998	2,418
Deferred income taxes	(494)	(590)
Share-based compensation	851	675
Other, net	(59)	0
Net change in other operating items, net of effects from acquisitions and changes in AARP balances:
Accounts receivable	(2,574)	(2,563)
Other assets	(2,358)	(741)
Medical costs payable	3,837	4,192
Accounts payable and other liabilities	2,370	1,416
Unearned revenues	12,221	10,201
Cash flows from operating activities	34,261	30,739
Investing activities
Purchases of investments	(12,998)	(14,183)
Sales of investments	3,674	5,376
Maturities of investments	6,474	4,740
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash assumed	(8,389)	(7,154)
Purchases of property, equipment and capitalized software	(2,427)	(1,936)
Other, net	(721)	50
Cash flows used for investing activities	(14,387)	(13,107)
Financing activities
Common share repurchases	(6,500)	(6,000)
Cash dividends paid	(5,023)	(4,450)
Proceeds from common stock issuances	1,039	1,084
Repayments of long-term debt	(2,125)	(2,100)
Proceeds from (repayments of) short-term borrowings, net	1,579	(16)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	6,394	5,922
Customer funds administered	2,037	7,028
Other, net	(1,774)	(1,634)
Cash flows used for financing activities	(4,373)	(166)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	49	4
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	15,550	17,470
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	23,365	21,375
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 38,915	$ 38,845

Basis of Presentation (Notes)

Basis of Presentation (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
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 health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Our two distinct, yet complementary business platforms — Optum and UnitedHealthcare — are working to help build a modern, high-performing health system through improved access, affordability, outcomes and experiences for the individuals and organizations the Company is privileged to serve. 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, 2022 as filed with the SEC (2022 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 relate to estimates and judgments for 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. Revenues - Products and Services

Investments (Notes)

Investments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Investments [Abstract]
Investments [Text Block]	Investments A summary of debt securities by major security type is as follows: (in millions) Amortized Gross Gross Fair September 30, 2023 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 5,739 $ — $ (340) $ 5,399 State and municipal obligations 7,695 1 (643) 7,053 Corporate obligations 23,511 5 (1,857) 21,659 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 8,632 — (1,158) 7,474 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,091 — (324) 2,767 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 48,668 6 (4,322) 44,352 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 466 — (10) 456 State and municipal obligations 28 — (5) 23 Corporate obligations 188 — — 188 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 682 — (15) 667 Total debt securities $ 49,350 $ 6 $ (4,337) $ 45,019 December 31, 2022 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 4,093 $ 1 $ (285) $ 3,809 State and municipal obligations 7,702 25 (479) 7,248 Corporate obligations 23,675 17 (1,798) 21,894 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 7,379 15 (808) 6,586 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,077 1 (294) 2,784 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 45,926 59 (3,664) 42,321 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 578 — (14) 564 State and municipal obligations 29 — (3) 26 Corporate obligations 89 — — 89 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 696 — (17) 679 Total debt securities $ 46,622 $ 59 $ (3,681) $ 43,000 The Company held $4.2 billion and $3.7 billion of equity securities as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company’s investments in equity securities primarily consist of employee savings plan related investments, venture investments and shares of Brazilian real denominated fixed-income funds with readily determinable fair values. Additionally, the Company’s investments included $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion of equity method investments in operating businesses in the health care sector as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was not material. The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of September 30, 2023, by contractual maturity, were as follows: Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity (in millions) Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 5,372 $ 5,340 $ 375 $ 372 Due after one year through five years 15,098 14,183 262 255 Due after five years through ten years 11,256 9,898 25 24 Due after ten years 5,219 4,690 20 16 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 8,632 7,474 — — Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,091 2,767 — — Total debt securities $ 48,668 $ 44,352 $ 682 $ 667 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 Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross September 30, 2023 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 2,023 $ (34) $ 2,081 $ (306) $ 4,104 $ (340) State and municipal obligations 2,872 (124) 4,042 (519) 6,914 (643) Corporate obligations 5,563 (149) 14,821 (1,708) 20,384 (1,857) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,562 (140) 4,867 (1,018) 7,429 (1,158) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 480 (21) 2,249 (303) 2,729 (324) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 13,500 $ (468) $ 28,060 $ (3,854) $ 41,560 $ (4,322) December 31, 2022 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 2,007 $ (96) $ 1,290 $ (189) $ 3,297 $ (285) State and municipal obligations 4,630 (288) 1,178 (191) 5,808 (479) Corporate obligations 13,003 (893) 6,637 (905) 19,640 (1,798) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,561 (345) 2,239 (463) 5,800 (808) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,698 (128) 976 (166) 2,674 (294) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 24,899 $ (1,750) $ 12,320 $ (1,914) $ 37,219 $ (3,664) The Company’s unrealized losses from debt securities as of September 30, 2023 were generated from approximately 37,000 positions out of a total of 41,000 positions. The Company believes that it will timely collect the 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 which impacted the Company’s 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, noting no significant credit deterioration since purchase. As of September 30, 2023, 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 September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was not material.

Fair Value (Notes)

Fair Value (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
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 included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the 2022 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 Other Unobservable Total September 30, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,880 $ 35 $ — $ 38,915 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 5,050 349 — 5,399 State and municipal obligations — 7,053 — 7,053 Corporate obligations 15 21,462 182 21,659 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 7,474 — 7,474 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,767 — 2,767 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 5,065 39,105 182 44,352 Equity securities 2,231 31 70 2,332 Assets under management 1,420 2,094 102 3,616 Total assets at fair value $ 47,596 $ 41,265 $ 354 $ 89,215 Percentage of total assets at fair value 53 % 46 % 1 % 100 % December 31, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 23,202 $ 163 $ — $ 23,365 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 3,505 304 — 3,809 State and municipal obligations — 7,248 — 7,248 Corporate obligations 7 21,695 192 21,894 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 6,586 — 6,586 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,784 — 2,784 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 3,512 38,617 192 42,321 Equity securities 2,043 35 70 2,148 Assets under management 1,788 2,203 96 4,087 Total assets at fair value $ 30,545 $ 41,018 $ 358 $ 71,921 Percentage of total assets at fair value 42 % 57 % 1 % 100 % There were no transfers in or out of Level 3 financial assets or liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022. 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 Other Unobservable Total Total Carrying Value September 30, 2023 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 593 $ 74 $ — $ 667 $ 682 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 55,137 $ — $ 55,137 $ 60,769 December 31, 2022 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 577 $ 102 $ — $ 679 $ 696 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 53,626 $ — $ 53,626 $ 56,823 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022.

Medical Costs Payable (Notes)

Medical Costs Payable (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Insurance [Abstract]
Short-Duration Insurance and Deposit Contracts	Medical Costs Payable The following table shows the components of the change in medical costs payable for the nine months ended September 30: (in millions) 2023 2022 Medical costs payable, beginning of period $ 29,056 $ 24,483 Acquisitions 1 177 Reported medical costs: Current year 180,423 157,601 Prior years (760) (350) Total reported medical costs 179,663 157,251 Medical payments: Payments for current year (149,671) (130,788) Payments for prior years (26,257) (22,059) Total medical payments (175,928) (152,847) Medical costs payable, end of period $ 32,792 $ 29,064

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt In March 2023, the Company issued $6.5 billion of senior unsecured notes consisting of the following: (in millions, except percentages) Par Value 4.250% notes due January 2029 $ 1,250 4.500% notes due April 2033 1,500 5.050% notes due April 2053 2,000 5.200% notes due April 2063 1,750 As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $2.6 billion of commercial paper outstanding, with a weighted-average annual interest rate of 5.3%. For more information on the Company’s short-term borrowings, debt covenants and long-term debt, see Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the 2022 10-K.

Dividends (Notes)

Dividends (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure	Dividends In June 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s quarterly cash dividend to shareholders to an annual rate of $7.52 compared to $6.60 per share, which the Company had paid since June 2022. Declaration and payment of future quarterly dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and may be adjusted as business needs or market conditions change. The following table provides details of the Company’s dividend payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2023: Payment Date Amount per Share Total Amount Paid (in millions) March 21 $ 1.65 $ 1,537 June 27 1.88 1,747 September 19 1.88 1,739

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Pending Acquisitions As of September 30, 2023, the Company has entered into agreements to acquire companies in the health care sector, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. The total anticipated consideration required for these acquisitions, excluding the payoff of acquired indebtedness, is approximately $5 billion. Legal Matters 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 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 (DOJ), the SEC, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Defense Contract Audit Agency and other governmental authorities. Similarly, the Company’s 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 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 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, the 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 which may result from this matter given its procedural status.

Business Combinations (Notes)

Business Combinations (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure	Business Combinations During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company completed several business combinations for total consideration of $8.4 billion. Acquired assets (liabilities) at acquisition date were: (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 104 Accounts receivable and other current assets 587 Property, equipment and other long-term assets 573 Other intangible assets 1,800 Total identifiable assets acquired 3,064 Medical costs payable (1) Accounts payable and other current liabilities (551) Other long-term liabilities (661) Total identifiable liabilities acquired (1,213) Total net identifiable assets 1,851 Goodwill 8,073 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (121) Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests (1,339) Net assets acquired $ 8,464 The majority of goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. The preliminary purchase price allocations for the various business combinations are subject to adjustment as valuation analyses, primarily related to intangible assets and contingent liabilities, are finalized. The acquisition date fair values and weighted-average useful lives assigned to intangible assets were: (in millions, except years) Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life Acquired finite-lived intangible assets: Customer-related $ 223 12 years Trademarks and technology 171 5 years Other 42 6 years Total acquired finite-lived intangible assets 436 9 years Total acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets - operating licenses and certificates 1,364 Total acquired intangible assets $ 1,800 The results of operations and financial condition of acquired entities have been included in the Company’s consolidated results and the results of the corresponding operating segment as of the date of acquisition. Through September 30, 2023, acquired entities’ impact on revenues and net earnings was not material. Unaudited pro forma revenues and net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, as if the business combinations had occurred on January 1, 2022, were immaterial for both periods.

Segment Financial Information (

Segment Financial Information (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure	Segment Financial Information The Company’s four reportable segments are UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight and Optum Rx. For more information on the Company’s segments, see Part I, Item I, “Business” and Note 14 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in the 2022 10-K. Total assets at Optum Health increased to $86.9 billion as of September 30, 2023 compared to $69.0 billion as of December 31, 2022, including an increase to goodwill from business combinations of $7.3 billion. The following tables present reportable segment financial information: Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare Optum Health Optum Insight Optum Rx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Consolidated Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 66,709 $ 5,630 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,630 $ — $ 72,339 Products — 61 40 10,253 — 10,354 — 10,354 Services 2,550 3,629 1,938 554 — 6,121 — 8,671 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 69,259 9,320 1,978 10,807 — 22,105 — 91,364 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 14,227 2,964 17,999 (961) 34,229 (34,229) — Investment and other income 594 317 35 51 — 403 — 997 Total revenues $ 69,853 $ 23,864 $ 4,977 $ 28,857 $ (961) $ 56,737 $ (34,229) $ 92,361 Earnings from operations $ 4,592 $ 1,568 $ 1,109 $ 1,257 $ — $ 3,934 $ — $ 8,526 Interest expense — — — — — — (834) (834) Earnings before income taxes $ 4,592 $ 1,568 $ 1,109 $ 1,257 $ — $ 3,934 $ (834) $ 7,692 Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 59,375 $ 5,116 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,116 $ — $ 64,491 Products — 2 37 9,151 — 9,190 — 9,190 Services 2,435 2,756 1,067 442 — 4,265 — 6,700 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 61,810 7,874 1,104 9,593 — 18,571 — 80,381 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 10,302 2,566 15,592 (800) 27,660 (27,660) — Investment and other income 185 287 23 18 — 328 — 513 Total revenues $ 61,995 $ 18,463 $ 3,693 $ 25,203 $ (800) $ 46,559 $ (27,660) $ 80,894 Earnings from operations $ 3,799 $ 1,575 $ 1,007 $ 1,081 $ — $ 3,663 $ — $ 7,462 Interest expense — — — — — — (516) (516) Earnings before income taxes $ 3,799 $ 1,575 $ 1,007 $ 1,081 $ — $ 3,663 $ (516) $ 6,946 Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare Optum Health Optum Insight Optum Rx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Consolidated Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 201,214 $ 16,385 $ — $ — $ — $ 16,385 $ — $ 217,599 Products — 156 119 30,997 — 31,272 — 31,272 Services 7,689 10,259 5,859 1,607 — 17,725 — 25,414 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 208,903 26,800 5,978 32,604 — 65,382 — 274,285 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 42,947 8,089 52,174 (2,713) 100,497 (100,497) — Investment and other income 1,649 1,038 80 143 — 1,261 — 2,910 Total revenues $ 210,552 $ 70,785 $ 14,147 $ 84,921 $ (2,713) $ 167,140 $ (100,497) $ 277,195 Earnings from operations $ 13,293 $ 4,869 $ 2,984 $ 3,523 $ — $ 11,376 $ — $ 24,669 Interest expense — — — — — — (2,416) (2,416) Earnings before income taxes $ 13,293 $ 4,869 $ 2,984 $ 3,523 $ — $ 11,376 $ (2,416) $ 22,253 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 178,680 $ 13,777 $ — $ — $ — $ 13,777 $ — $ 192,457 Products — 14 135 27,877 — 28,026 — 28,026 Services 7,492 8,054 3,075 1,096 — 12,225 — 19,717 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 186,172 21,845 3,210 28,973 — 54,028 — 240,200 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 30,355 6,885 44,921 (1,941) 80,220 (80,220) — Investment and other income 523 528 99 25 — 652 — 1,175 Total revenues $ 186,695 $ 52,728 $ 10,194 $ 73,919 $ (1,941) $ 134,900 $ (80,220) $ 241,375 Earnings from operations $ 11,447 $ 4,340 $ 2,693 $ 3,064 $ — $ 10,097 $ — $ 21,544 Interest expense — — — — — — (1,416) (1,416) Earnings before income taxes $ 11,447 $ 4,340 $ 2,693 $ 3,064 $ — $ 10,097 $ (1,416) $ 20,128

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net earnings attributable to UnitedHealth Group common shareholders	$ 5,841	$ 5,262	$ 16,926	$ 15,359

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
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, 2022 as filed with the SEC (2022 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]	These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include certain amounts based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company’s most significant estimates relate to estimates and judgments for 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]	As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, accounts receivable related to products and services were $8.0 billion and $7.1 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, revenue expected to be recognized in any future year related to remaining performance obligations, excluding revenue pertaining to contracts having an original expected duration of one year or less, contracts where revenue is recognized as invoiced and contracts with variable consideration related to undelivered performance obligations, was $11.8 billion, of which approximately half is expected to be recognized in the next three years.

Investments (Policies)

Investments (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
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, noting no significant credit deterioration since purchase. As of September 30, 2023, 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.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments [Table Text Block]	A summary of debt securities by major security type is as follows: (in millions) Amortized Gross Gross Fair September 30, 2023 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 5,739 $ — $ (340) $ 5,399 State and municipal obligations 7,695 1 (643) 7,053 Corporate obligations 23,511 5 (1,857) 21,659 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 8,632 — (1,158) 7,474 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,091 — (324) 2,767 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 48,668 6 (4,322) 44,352 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 466 — (10) 456 State and municipal obligations 28 — (5) 23 Corporate obligations 188 — — 188 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 682 — (15) 667 Total debt securities $ 49,350 $ 6 $ (4,337) $ 45,019 December 31, 2022 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 4,093 $ 1 $ (285) $ 3,809 State and municipal obligations 7,702 25 (479) 7,248 Corporate obligations 23,675 17 (1,798) 21,894 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 7,379 15 (808) 6,586 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,077 1 (294) 2,784 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 45,926 59 (3,664) 42,321 Debt securities - held-to-maturity: U.S. government and agency obligations 578 — (14) 564 State and municipal obligations 29 — (3) 26 Corporate obligations 89 — — 89 Total debt securities - held-to-maturity 696 — (17) 679 Total debt securities $ 46,622 $ 59 $ (3,681) $ 43,000
Investments by Contractual Maturity [Table Text Block]	The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities as of September 30, 2023, by contractual maturity, were as follows: Available-for-Sale Held-to-Maturity (in millions) Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Due in one year or less $ 5,372 $ 5,340 $ 375 $ 372 Due after one year through five years 15,098 14,183 262 255 Due after five years through ten years 11,256 9,898 25 24 Due after ten years 5,219 4,690 20 16 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 8,632 7,474 — — Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,091 2,767 — — Total debt securities $ 48,668 $ 44,352 $ 682 $ 667
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	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 Gross Fair Gross Fair Gross September 30, 2023 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 2,023 $ (34) $ 2,081 $ (306) $ 4,104 $ (340) State and municipal obligations 2,872 (124) 4,042 (519) 6,914 (643) Corporate obligations 5,563 (149) 14,821 (1,708) 20,384 (1,857) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 2,562 (140) 4,867 (1,018) 7,429 (1,158) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 480 (21) 2,249 (303) 2,729 (324) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 13,500 $ (468) $ 28,060 $ (3,854) $ 41,560 $ (4,322) December 31, 2022 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations $ 2,007 $ (96) $ 1,290 $ (189) $ 3,297 $ (285) State and municipal obligations 4,630 (288) 1,178 (191) 5,808 (479) Corporate obligations 13,003 (893) 6,637 (905) 19,640 (1,798) U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 3,561 (345) 2,239 (463) 5,800 (808) Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities 1,698 (128) 976 (166) 2,674 (294) Total debt securities - available-for-sale $ 24,899 $ (1,750) $ 12,320 $ (1,914) $ 37,219 $ (3,664)

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
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 Other Unobservable Total September 30, 2023 Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,880 $ 35 $ — $ 38,915 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 5,050 349 — 5,399 State and municipal obligations — 7,053 — 7,053 Corporate obligations 15 21,462 182 21,659 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 7,474 — 7,474 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,767 — 2,767 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 5,065 39,105 182 44,352 Equity securities 2,231 31 70 2,332 Assets under management 1,420 2,094 102 3,616 Total assets at fair value $ 47,596 $ 41,265 $ 354 $ 89,215 Percentage of total assets at fair value 53 % 46 % 1 % 100 % December 31, 2022 Cash and cash equivalents $ 23,202 $ 163 $ — $ 23,365 Debt securities - available-for-sale: U.S. government and agency obligations 3,505 304 — 3,809 State and municipal obligations — 7,248 — 7,248 Corporate obligations 7 21,695 192 21,894 U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 6,586 — 6,586 Non-U.S. agency mortgage-backed securities — 2,784 — 2,784 Total debt securities - available-for-sale 3,512 38,617 192 42,321 Equity securities 2,043 35 70 2,148 Assets under management 1,788 2,203 96 4,087 Total assets at fair value $ 30,545 $ 41,018 $ 358 $ 71,921 Percentage of total assets at fair value 42 % 57 % 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 Other Unobservable Total Total Carrying Value September 30, 2023 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 593 $ 74 $ — $ 667 $ 682 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 55,137 $ — $ 55,137 $ 60,769 December 31, 2022 Debt securities - held-to-maturity $ 577 $ 102 $ — $ 679 $ 696 Long-term debt and other financing obligations $ — $ 53,626 $ — $ 53,626 $ 56,823

Medical Costs Payable (Tables)

Medical Costs Payable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	The following table shows the components of the change in medical costs payable for the nine months ended September 30: (in millions) 2023 2022 Medical costs payable, beginning of period $ 29,056 $ 24,483 Acquisitions 1 177 Reported medical costs: Current year 180,423 157,601 Prior years (760) (350) Total reported medical costs 179,663 157,251 Medical payments: Payments for current year (149,671) (130,788) Payments for prior years (26,257) (22,059) Total medical payments (175,928) (152,847) Medical costs payable, end of period $ 32,792 $ 29,064

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_2

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block]	In March 2023, the Company issued $6.5 billion of senior unsecured notes consisting of the following: (in millions, except percentages) Par Value 4.250% notes due January 2029 $ 1,250 4.500% notes due April 2033 1,500 5.050% notes due April 2053 2,000 5.200% notes due April 2063 1,750

Dividends (Tables)

Dividends (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Equity [Abstract]
Dividends Declared	The following table provides details of the Company’s dividend payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2023: Payment Date Amount per Share Total Amount Paid (in millions) March 21 $ 1.65 $ 1,537 June 27 1.88 1,747 September 19 1.88 1,739

Business Combinations (Tables)

Business Combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	Acquired assets (liabilities) at acquisition date were: (in millions) Cash and cash equivalents $ 104 Accounts receivable and other current assets 587 Property, equipment and other long-term assets 573 Other intangible assets 1,800 Total identifiable assets acquired 3,064 Medical costs payable (1) Accounts payable and other current liabilities (551) Other long-term liabilities (661) Total identifiable liabilities acquired (1,213) Total net identifiable assets 1,851 Goodwill 8,073 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (121) Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests (1,339) Net assets acquired $ 8,464
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The acquisition date fair values and weighted-average useful lives assigned to intangible assets were: (in millions, except years) Fair Value Weighted-Average Useful Life Acquired finite-lived intangible assets: Customer-related $ 223 12 years Trademarks and technology 171 5 years Other 42 6 years Total acquired finite-lived intangible assets 436 9 years Total acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets - operating licenses and certificates 1,364 Total acquired intangible assets $ 1,800

Segment Financial Information_2

Segment Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables present reportable segment financial information: Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare Optum Health Optum Insight Optum Rx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Consolidated Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 66,709 $ 5,630 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,630 $ — $ 72,339 Products — 61 40 10,253 — 10,354 — 10,354 Services 2,550 3,629 1,938 554 — 6,121 — 8,671 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 69,259 9,320 1,978 10,807 — 22,105 — 91,364 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 14,227 2,964 17,999 (961) 34,229 (34,229) — Investment and other income 594 317 35 51 — 403 — 997 Total revenues $ 69,853 $ 23,864 $ 4,977 $ 28,857 $ (961) $ 56,737 $ (34,229) $ 92,361 Earnings from operations $ 4,592 $ 1,568 $ 1,109 $ 1,257 $ — $ 3,934 $ — $ 8,526 Interest expense — — — — — — (834) (834) Earnings before income taxes $ 4,592 $ 1,568 $ 1,109 $ 1,257 $ — $ 3,934 $ (834) $ 7,692 Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 59,375 $ 5,116 $ — $ — $ — $ 5,116 $ — $ 64,491 Products — 2 37 9,151 — 9,190 — 9,190 Services 2,435 2,756 1,067 442 — 4,265 — 6,700 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 61,810 7,874 1,104 9,593 — 18,571 — 80,381 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 10,302 2,566 15,592 (800) 27,660 (27,660) — Investment and other income 185 287 23 18 — 328 — 513 Total revenues $ 61,995 $ 18,463 $ 3,693 $ 25,203 $ (800) $ 46,559 $ (27,660) $ 80,894 Earnings from operations $ 3,799 $ 1,575 $ 1,007 $ 1,081 $ — $ 3,663 $ — $ 7,462 Interest expense — — — — — — (516) (516) Earnings before income taxes $ 3,799 $ 1,575 $ 1,007 $ 1,081 $ — $ 3,663 $ (516) $ 6,946 Optum (in millions) UnitedHealthcare Optum Health Optum Insight Optum Rx Optum Eliminations Optum Corporate and Consolidated Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 201,214 $ 16,385 $ — $ — $ — $ 16,385 $ — $ 217,599 Products — 156 119 30,997 — 31,272 — 31,272 Services 7,689 10,259 5,859 1,607 — 17,725 — 25,414 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 208,903 26,800 5,978 32,604 — 65,382 — 274,285 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 42,947 8,089 52,174 (2,713) 100,497 (100,497) — Investment and other income 1,649 1,038 80 143 — 1,261 — 2,910 Total revenues $ 210,552 $ 70,785 $ 14,147 $ 84,921 $ (2,713) $ 167,140 $ (100,497) $ 277,195 Earnings from operations $ 13,293 $ 4,869 $ 2,984 $ 3,523 $ — $ 11,376 $ — $ 24,669 Interest expense — — — — — — (2,416) (2,416) Earnings before income taxes $ 13,293 $ 4,869 $ 2,984 $ 3,523 $ — $ 11,376 $ (2,416) $ 22,253 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Revenues - unaffiliated customers: Premiums $ 178,680 $ 13,777 $ — $ — $ — $ 13,777 $ — $ 192,457 Products — 14 135 27,877 — 28,026 — 28,026 Services 7,492 8,054 3,075 1,096 — 12,225 — 19,717 Total revenues - unaffiliated customers 186,172 21,845 3,210 28,973 — 54,028 — 240,200 Total revenues - affiliated customers — 30,355 6,885 44,921 (1,941) 80,220 (80,220) — Investment and other income 523 528 99 25 — 652 — 1,175 Total revenues $ 186,695 $ 52,728 $ 10,194 $ 73,919 $ (1,941) $ 134,900 $ (80,220) $ 241,375 Earnings from operations $ 11,447 $ 4,340 $ 2,693 $ 3,064 $ — $ 10,097 $ — $ 21,544 Interest expense — — — — — — (1,416) (1,416) Earnings before income taxes $ 11,447 $ 4,340 $ 2,693 $ 3,064 $ — $ 10,097 $ (1,416) $ 20,128

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Nature of Operations	UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (individually and together with its subsidiaries, “UnitedHealth Group” and the “Company”) is a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Our two distinct, yet complementary business platforms — Optum and UnitedHealthcare — are working to help build a modern, high-performing health system through improved access, affordability, outcomes and experiences for the individuals and organizations the Company is privileged to serve.
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 20,673	$ 17,681
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 11,800
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage	50%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	3 years
unh:ProductsandservicesMember
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 8,000	$ 7,100

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
Equity Securities, FV-NI and without Readily Determinable Fair Value	$ 4,200	$ 3,700
Equity Method Investments	$ 1,400	$ 1,500
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Number of Positions	37,000
Total number of security positions	41,000

Investments (Short-Term and Lon

Investments (Short-Term and Long-Term Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	$ 48,668	$ 45,926
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	6	59
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(4,322)	(3,664)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	44,352	42,321
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	682	696
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	(15)	(17)
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	667	679
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value	45,019	43,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Cumulative Unrecognized Loss	(4,337)	(3,681)
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Cumulative Unrecognized Gain	6	59
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost	49,350	46,622
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	44,352	42,321
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	5,739	4,093
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(340)	(285)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,399	3,809
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	466	578
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	(10)	(14)
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	456	564
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	7,695	7,702
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1	25
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(643)	(479)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,053	7,248
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	28	29
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	(5)	(3)
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	23	26
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	23,511	23,675
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	5	17
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,857)	(1,798)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	21,659	21,894
Held-to-maturity securities, Amortized Cost	188	89
Securities, Held to maturity, Unrecognized Holding Gain	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Accumulated Unrecognized Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	188	89
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	8,632	7,379
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	15
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,158)	(808)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,474	6,586
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	3,091	3,077
Securities, Available for sale Debt Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(324)	(294)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 2,767	$ 2,784

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$ 5,372
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	15,098
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	11,256
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	5,219
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	48,668	$ 45,926
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	5,340
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	14,183
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	9,898
Due after ten years, Fair Value	4,690
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	44,352	42,321
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One	375
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five	262
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10	25
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10	20
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity	682	696
Held-to-maturity Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	372
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five	255
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 5 Through 10	24
Debt Securities, Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year 10	16
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	667	679
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	8,632
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	8,632	7,379
Mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value	7,474
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,474	6,586
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	3,091
Total debt securities - available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	3,091	3,077
Mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value	2,767
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 2,767	$ 2,784

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	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 13,500	$ 24,899
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(468)	(1,750)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	28,060	12,320
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,854)	(1,914)
Total, Fair Value	41,560	37,219
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(4,322)	(3,664)
U.S. Government and Agency Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,023	2,007
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(34)	(96)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,081	1,290
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(306)	(189)
Total, Fair Value	4,104	3,297
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(340)	(285)
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,872	4,630
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(124)	(288)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	4,042	1,178
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(519)	(191)
Total, Fair Value	6,914	5,808
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(643)	(479)
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	5,563	13,003
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(149)	(893)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	14,821	6,637
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,708)	(905)
Total, Fair Value	20,384	19,640
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,857)	(1,798)
U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,562	3,561
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(140)	(345)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	4,867	2,239
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,018)	(463)
Total, Fair Value	7,429	5,800
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,158)	(808)
Non-U.S. Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	480	1,698
Less Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(21)	(128)
Greater Than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,249	976
Greater Than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	(303)	(166)
Total, Fair Value	2,729	2,674
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (324)	$ (294)

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Fair Value [Line Items]
Transfers Into Level 3	$ 0	$ 0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
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	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 38,915	$ 23,365
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	44,352	42,321
Equity Securities, FV-NI	2,332	2,148
Assets under management	3,616	4,087
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	89,215	71,921
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	44,352	42,321
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	5,399	3,809
State and Municipal Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	7,053	7,248
Corporate Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	21,659	21,894
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	7,474	6,586
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	2,767	2,784
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	38,880	23,202
Equity Securities, FV-NI	2,231	2,043
Assets under management	1,420	1,788
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	47,596	30,545
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	5,065	3,512
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	5,050	3,505
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	15	7
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	35	163
Equity Securities, FV-NI	31	35
Assets under management	2,094	2,203
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	41,265	41,018
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	39,105	38,617
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	349	304
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	7,053	7,248
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	21,462	21,695
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	7,474	6,586
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	2,767	2,784
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, FV-NI	70	70
Assets under management	102	96
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	354	358
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	182	192
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	182	192
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	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	$ 667	$ 679
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity	682	696
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity, Fair Value	667	679
Debt and other financing obligations	55,137	53,626
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	593	577
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	74	102
Debt and other financing obligations	55,137	53,626
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	0	0
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	$ 60,769	$ 56,823

Medical Costs Payable (Narrativ

Medical Costs Payable (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Insurance [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	$ 22.7	$ 20

Medical Costs Payable (Details)

Medical Costs Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Medical costs payable, beginning of period	$ 29,056	$ 24,483
Acquisitions	1	177
Reported medical costs:
Current year	180,423	157,601
Prior year	(760)	(350)
Total reported medical costs	179,663	157,251
Medical payments:
Payments for current year	(149,671)	(130,788)
Payments for prior years	(26,257)	(22,059)
Total medical payments	(175,928)	(152,847)
Medical costs payable, end of period	$ 32,792	$ 29,064

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_3

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Par Value	$ 6,500
4.250% notes due January 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.25%
Par Value	$ 1,250
4.500% notes due April 2033
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.50%
Par Value	$ 1,500
5.050% notes due April 2053
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.05%
Par Value	$ 2,000
5.200% notes due April 2063
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.20%
Par Value	$ 1,750

Short-Term Borrowings and Lon_4

Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($) Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper | $	$ 2,600
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time | Rate	5.30%

Dividends (Details)

Dividends (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 19, 2023	Jun. 27, 2023	Mar. 21, 2023	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 1.88	$ 1.88	$ 1.65	$ 1.88	$ 1.65	$ 5.41	$ 4.75
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	$ 1,739	$ 1,747	$ 1,537			$ 5,023	$ 4,450

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Commitments, Description	As of September 30, 2023, the Company has entered into agreements to acquire companies in the health care sector, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
Other Commitment	$ 5

Business Combinations (Narrativ

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 8,400

Business Combinations Acquired

Business Combinations Acquired Assets (Liabilities) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104
Accounts receivable and other current assets	587
Property, equipment and other long-term assets	573
Other Intangible Assets	1,800
Total identifiable assets acquired	3,064
Medical costs payable	(1)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(551)
Other long-term liabilities	(661)
Total identifiable liabilities acquired	(1,213)
Total net tangible assets	1,851
Goodwill	8,073
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	(121)
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,339)
Net Assets Acquired	$ 8,464

Business Combinations Acquire_2

Business Combinations Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asets (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 436
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	9 years
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 1,364
Other Intangible Assets	1,800
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 223
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Trademarks and Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 171
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 42
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years

Segment Financial Information_3

Segment Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($) reportableSegments	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Statement [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | reportableSegments	4
Assets	$ 282,063	$ 245,705
Goodwill	8,073
Optum Health
Statement [Line Items]
Assets	86,900	$ 69,000
Goodwill	$ 7,300

Segment Financial Information_4

Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2022
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	$ 72,339	$ 64,491	$ 217,599	$ 192,457
Investment and other income	997	513	2,910	1,175
Total revenues	92,361	80,894	277,195	241,375
Earnings from operations	8,526	7,462	24,669	21,544
Interest expense	(834)	(516)	(2,416)	(1,416)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	7,692	6,946	22,253	20,128
Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	10,354	9,190	31,272	28,026
Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	8,671	6,700	25,414	19,717
Optum
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	403	328	1,261	652
Total revenues	56,737	46,559	167,140	134,900
Earnings from operations	3,934	3,663	11,376	10,097
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	3,934	3,663	11,376	10,097
Unaffiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	72,339	64,491	217,599	192,457
Total revenues	91,364	80,381	274,285	240,200
Unaffiliated Customers | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	10,354	9,190	31,272	28,026
Unaffiliated Customers | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	8,671	6,700	25,414	19,717
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	5,630	5,116	16,385	13,777
Total revenues	22,105	18,571	65,382	54,028
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	10,354	9,190	31,272	28,026
Unaffiliated Customers | Optum | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	6,121	4,265	17,725	12,225
Affiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Affiliated Customers | Optum
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	34,229	27,660	100,497	80,220
Operating Segments | UnitedHealthcare
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	594	185	1,649	523
Total revenues	69,853	61,995	210,552	186,695
Earnings from operations	4,592	3,799	13,293	11,447
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	4,592	3,799	13,293	11,447
Operating Segments | Optum Health
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	317	287	1,038	528
Total revenues	23,864	18,463	70,785	52,728
Earnings from operations	1,568	1,575	4,869	4,340
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	1,568	1,575	4,869	4,340
Operating Segments | Optum Insight
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	35	23	80	99
Total revenues	4,977	3,693	14,147	10,194
Earnings from operations	1,109	1,007	2,984	2,693
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	1,109	1,007	2,984	2,693
Operating Segments | Optum Rx
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	51	18	143	25
Total revenues	28,857	25,203	84,921	73,919
Earnings from operations	1,257	1,081	3,523	3,064
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	1,257	1,081	3,523	3,064
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	66,709	59,375	201,214	178,680
Total revenues	69,259	61,810	208,903	186,172
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	2,550	2,435	7,689	7,492
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Health
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	5,630	5,116	16,385	13,777
Total revenues	9,320	7,874	26,800	21,845
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Health | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	61	2	156	14
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Health | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	3,629	2,756	10,259	8,054
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Insight
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	1,978	1,104	5,978	3,210
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Insight | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	40	37	119	135
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Insight | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	1,938	1,067	5,859	3,075
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Rx
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	10,807	9,593	32,604	28,973
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Rx | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	10,253	9,151	30,997	27,877
Operating Segments | Unaffiliated Customers | Optum Rx | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	554	442	1,607	1,096
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | UnitedHealthcare
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | Optum Health
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	14,227	10,302	42,947	30,355
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | Optum Insight
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,964	2,566	8,089	6,885
Operating Segments | Affiliated Customers | Optum Rx
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	17,999	15,592	52,174	44,921
Optum Eliminations
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	(961)	(800)	(2,713)	(1,941)
Earnings from operations	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	0	0	0	0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Optum Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Optum Eliminations | Affiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	(961)	(800)	(2,713)	(1,941)
Corporate and Eliminations
Statement [Line Items]
Investment and other income	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	(34,229)	(27,660)	(100,497)	(80,220)
Earnings from operations	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(834)	(516)	(2,416)	(1,416)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(834)	(516)	(2,416)	(1,416)
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Premiums, revenues - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Total revenues	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Products
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Eliminations | Unaffiliated Customers | Services
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue from Products and Services - unaffiliated customers	0	0	0	0
Corporate and Eliminations | Affiliated Customers
Statement [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ (34,229)	$ (27,660)	$ (100,497)	$ (80,220)