Nation’s Largest Managed Behavioral Health Organization Has Proof That Better Mental Health Can Lead to Lower Medical Costs, Better Workplace Productivity

OptumHealth Inc., the health and wellness company of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), today commended Congress for passing legislation that not only will provide greater access to those needing mental health care, but reduce medical costs as well.

“This important legislation will help millions of Americans receive better access to mental health care,” said Gregory A Bayer, Ph.D., chief executive officer of OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions, the nation’s largest managed behavioral health organization. “This is extremely important, not only for those individuals needing such care, but because better mental health care can actually reduce medical costs and even improve workplace productivity.”

OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions, through its programs and research, demonstrates the impact of behavioral health on medical illnesses and workplace productivity. For example, a recent analysis of OptumHealth’s medical/behavioral integration program, LifeSolutions, showed that seventeen percent of the program participants had a decrease in the number of days absent from work due to physical or mental health (absenteeism), with an average decrease of 1.5 days per month.

“OptumHealth, as well as the rest of the UnitedHealth Group organization, applauds the passage of this landmark legislation. As a leading company in organizing integrated medical and behavioral health solutions for millions of Americans, we well understand the importance of this legislation in advancing parity in mental health benefits,” Bayer said. “We are very proud of the clear contributions managed behavioral health organizations have played in the research that demonstrated the affordability of parity.”

The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act of 2008 was included in the economic recovery package that passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives and Wednesday in the U.S. Senate. The legislation will become active for most plans in 2010.

About OptumHealth

OptumHealth Inc. helps individuals navigate the health care system, finance their health care needs and achieve their health and well-being goals. The company’s personalized health advocacy and engagement programs tap a unique combination of capabilities that encompass care solutions, behavioral solutions, specialty benefits and financial services. Serving more than 60 million people, OptumHealth is the nation’s largest health and wellness business and is a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) company. More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.optumhealth.com.

OptumHealth Inc.
Brad Lotterman, 714-445-0453
Senior Manager, External Communications
brad.lotterman@optumhealth.com