Insurers see positive results in managing health costs in Q2 2026

UnitedHealth Group posted record second‑quarter 2026 profit of about $5.5 billion, driven by a medical loss ratio of 86.7%—down 2.7 percentage points from 89.4% in Q2 2025—as disciplined pricing, benefit redesigns, and market exits helped control medical costs.

Centene swung to more than $1.1 billion in profit in Q2 2026 as its commercial medical loss ratio improved to 79.2% from 90.6% a year earlier, thanks to higher ACA premiums and easing medical cost trends.

Oscar Health reported a large profit in Q2 2026 as its medical loss ratio fell to 79.2% from 91.1% in Q2 2025, largely reflecting aggressive 28% premium hikes, disciplined underwriting, and $164 million of favorable prior‑period reserve development.