UnitedHealth Group and United Health Foundation Honored for Philanthropic and Community Programs

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) today announced it has been recognized for its social responsibility and philanthropic efforts by three outside organizations.

Community Health Charities, the nation’s leading non-profit focused on addressing health philanthropy in the workplace, gave UnitedHealth Group a Campaign Leadership Award for increasing employee pledges during the annual giving campaign by more than $200,000 in 2008 compared to the previous year’s campaign. This was the largest increase by a corporate partner.

“Despite tough economic times over the past year, UnitedHealth Group has exemplified corporate excellence and partnership with our member charities through their corporate involvement with Community Health Charities,” said James Burns, chair of the national board, Community Health Charities.

The American Cancer Society recognized UnitedHealth Group for engaging its employees to support ACS’s national programs, like Relay For Life.

“As a first year Relay For Life National Team Program member, UnitedHealth Group’s 64 teams contributed more than $100,000,” said Laurie Rappa, American Cancer Society Corporate Relations. “By taking one step at a time, we can help spread the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

In addition to the Relay team, UnitedHealth Group supports the American Cancer Society’s mission by going tobacco-free in all UnitedHealth Group buildings, grounds, and parking areas. Additionally, the company’s annual giving campaign saw an 11 percent increase in employee pledges to the American Cancer Society during last year’s United Giving Campaign.

The America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) recognized United Health Foundation with an Honorable Mention award for its PEACE of Heart campaign. PEACE of Heart works to identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease in underserved communities through free screenings at community health centers. To date, more than 1,300 people have been screened at PEACE of Heart events in Atlanta, Chicago, Greensboro, N.C., Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is a diversified health and well-being company dedicated to making health care work better. Headquartered in Minneapolis, UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through six operating businesses: UnitedHealthcare, Ovations, AmeriChoice, OptumHealth, Ingenix, and Prescription Solutions. Through its family of businesses, UnitedHealth Group serves more than 70 million individuals nationwide.

About United Health Foundation

Guided by a passion to help people live healthier lives, United Health Foundation provides helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities. The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well being of communities. Since established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999 as a not-for-profit private foundation, the Foundation has committed more than $160 million to improve health and health care. For more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.