Shares of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) cratered again Thursday, dragging those of rivals as well, on the latest bad news ꩵfor the health insurer. 

The Wall Street Journal reported the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was investigating UnitedHealth Group for possible Medicare fraud.

The paper explained that while the potential criminal charges weren't clear, its sources said officials were looking into the company's 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Medicare Advantage business practi☂ces. It added that the probe has been open "since at leastꦗ last summer."

In a strongly worded statement in response, UnitedHealth Group said it has not been contacted by the DOJ about any investigation, calling the Journal's reporting "deeply irresponsible." It added that it stands "by the integrity of our Medicare Advantage program."

Difficult Week for UnitedHealth Group Investors

It's been a tough week for UnitedHealth Group investors. Shares cratered 18% Tuesday when the company 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:withdrew its guidance as it faced higher costs, and CEO Andrew Witty suddenly stepped down. They rallied early yesterd🐭ay, b💟ut eventually turned lower. Shares have lost a third of their value since Monday's close. 

UnitedHealth Group was the worst-performing stock in the 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:S&P 500 in late-morning trading Thursday, and shares of Humana (HUM), Molina Healthcare (MOH), and Elevance Health (ELV) were down as well.