UHC Takes a Hit...

Our friend Joe Paduda is no fan of UHC’s executive stock plans, and since he’s on vacation this week, we’ll take up the slack. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has now launched an official investigation into UHC’s stock option plans. The company says that it’s cooperating with the Fed’s, which should set everyone’s mind at ease.

You may recall that, a few months ago, United’s Dr. William McGuire resigned as Chairman of the Board following a review of his stock options. The company itself also took some financial hits as a result.

Greed, of course, is not the exclusive province of insurers, but this time of year, with so many employers facing double-digit renewals, it sure looks bad when the carrier exec’s get caught with their hands in the cookie jar.