Ethically better, Humana or UnitedHealthcare?

Comparing Humana and UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans led me into this black hole of searching for the ethics of the two. I have experience as a member of both, and easily favor Humana. Still, always open to a better deal, I took another look at UHC since they offer a slightly better OTC Allowance.

So is UHC a “good” company, for the public or a good company for the profits? UCH is certainly profitable, net income $17 bn. (Wikipedia) and business publications laud their projections for this year. However, the company has had serious controversies.

In Atlanta, UHC has had rate negotiation conflicts with local provider networks WellStar and Northside Hospital (NPR/WABE Interview). Other insurance companies have negotiation conflicts with providers too, so apparently this isn’t an isolated practice (AJC). Negotiations are good – keeps prices down. However, these contract matters meant members lost coverage with their doctors.

On the other hand, are providers demanding excessively? The keyword is “excessive.” While providers have billed excessively of $128 M (million), Medicare Advantage insurers have billed excessively of $12 bn (billion) (Reporting / Opinion?). These numbers look at all Medicare Advantage insurers, not just UHC.

Outside of rate negotiations, UCH has had other controversies

Humana (-$2.9 bn) isn’t a boy scout either: lobbying against ACA, claims denials, false representation as Medicare official and false claims about ACA. However, they have had fewer scandals. (Wikipedia)

On the other hand, what does the membership of one wee little person have on a such large companies?