UnitedHealth Group (UNH)

Provides Estimate of Non-Cash Accounting Impact of Historical Stock Option Practices

MINNEAPOLIS (December 19, 2006) – UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) today announced that at its annual investor conference in New York City it will report that it expects continued strong financial performance, driven by gains from increasing market share and strong operating margins across each of its business units.

The Company will also affirm its previous outlook for 2006 net earnings of $4.14 billion to $4.16 billion, including fourth quarter 2006 net earnings in the range of $1.17 billion to $1.19 billion.

Also, management will discuss its 2007 financial outlook, which includes revenues of approximately $79.5 billion and net earnings in the range of $4.7 billion to $4.75 billion. The outlook for 2006 and 2007 include management’s current estimated range of the additional non-cash charges for stock-based compensation expense for these years arising from the review of the Company’s stock option practices conducted by the Independent Committee of the Board of Directors.

As discussed below, these estimates are not yet final and neither the estimates nor outlook reflect any adjustment for any non-operating cash charges which may be required in connection with the resolution of stock option-related tax matters, litigation, and regulatory matters, the amount and timing of which are uncertain but which are likely to be material. The estimates and outlook are also subject to the other risks and uncertainties described in “Forward-Looking Statements” at the end of this press release. The Company has today

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filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that provides additional detail regarding risks and uncertainties facing the business.