Press Release
The bombshell report out of Congressman Ryan’s office includes thousands of community responses detailing the avalanche of dysfunction at Optum-owned medical practices in the Hudson Valley
Chief among the concerns raised by the community were a declining quality of care, an increase in fees and incorrect billing, and issues with customer service and accessibility negatively impacting people’s ability to get health care
OptumHealth, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, has purchased medical practices across the Hudson Valley, including more than 2,500 providers at CareMount Medical and Crystal Run Healthcare
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ryan released the shocking results of his community inquiry regarding the quality and accessibility of care at Optum-owned Hudson Valley medical practices. Over 1800 responses from Optum patients illuminated a deeply troubling pattern surrounding Optum’s care quality, accessibility, and billing practices. Several providers also responded to the inquiry, citing how treatment of staff has suffered from the switch to Optum, further contributing to a general decline in the quality of care administered. Ryan is now submitting the full dataset to the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, and Federal Trade Commission for further investigation and imminent action.
“The volume of responses, the specificity of issues, and the frankly heartbreaking stories involved are unlike anything I’ve seen in my time in Congress. I’ve heard from disabled children unable to get treatment. Mothers waiting almost a year for a cancer diagnosis. Families sent into debt because of overcharges for treatments never even received. All so the largest health care company in the world can continue to make record breaking profits,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I’ve already been in touch with Optum to get folks help on an individual basis in the short term, but that’s just a band-aid. Today I’m formally submitting every single piece of data to the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Federal Trade Commission for further investigation. And I will be pushing around the clock for further action. For anyone not convinced urgent change is needed, read every damn story below. When our Hudson Valley community stands up with one voice, anything is possible.”
“We are deeply grateful for Congressman Ryan’s leadership advocating for Optum patients and their dedicated caregivers in the Hudson Valley,” said George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest and fastest growing healthcare union in the nation. “New Yorkers’ access to quality healthcare is at risk as for-profit corporations take over doctors’ practices in our communities. Optum must prioritize patient care over profits and invest in good quality healthcare jobs which are essential to meeting New York’s healthcare needs.”