UnitedHealthcare has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Guardian in Delaware Superior Court over a May 21 article that alleged the company made covert payments to nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers, thereby cutting costs. The lawsuit claims The Guardian knowingly published "false and misleading" information and exploited the media spotlight following the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare's then-CEO Brian Thompson. The article cited internal emails that reportedly revealed hospital admission budgets tied to nursing home patients and monitored "Do not resuscitate" (DNR) and "Do not intubate" orders. UnitedHealthcare contends these emails were taken out of context and that The Guardian falsely accused it of coercing patients into DNR directives.
A Guardian spokesperson defended the reporting, claiming it was based on extensive documentation, interviews, lawsuits, and statements provided by UnitedHealthcare. This legal battle arises amidst broader scrutiny; the Department of Justice is currently investigating UnitedHealthcare for Medicare fraud, and the company's stock has dropped nearly 26% in the past month.
The case highlights the tension between media organizations and corporations regarding investigative journalism and the potential repercussions of exposing alleged malpractices. As the lawsuit progresses, it will test the boundaries of press freedom and corporate accountability.