Health-insurance giant said it was making a number of governance changes, including the appointment of a new lead independent director and the formation of a public responsibility committee.

This investment signifies Buffett's re-entry into UNH after liquidating his entire position back in 2010, indicating that he perceives significant value at

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) stock is still down 40% YTD but has surged more than +20% this month following reports that Warren Buffett, and other billionaire hedge fund managers have taken a stake in the company.

Shares of UnitedHealth Group are surging before the market open Friday as Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway disclosed that it recently purchased shares of the beleaguered insurer.

UnitedHealth Group completed its $3.3 billion purchase of Baton Rouge-based Amedisys Thursday morning, more than two years after plans to join the nation's two largest home health and hospice care companies were first announced.

Meanwhile, the healthcare giant pays an $8.84 annual dividend, yielding about 3.38%. UnitedHealth has raised its dividend for 15 consecutive years, including a 5.2% increase last quarter. You're collecting a sizable yield backed by roughly $30 billion in annual operating cash flow, giving you steady income while you wait for the recovery.

Year to date, the stock has fallen by nearly 45%, which is by no means normal for the healthcare stock. In fact, this is the worst it has performed since the Great Recession, when it tumbled by more than 54% in 2008.

Democratic Sens. Ron Wyden (Ore.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) are launching an investigation into UnitedHealth Group (UHG) over its actions reportedly steering seniors away from hospital visits

Following an investment by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, many eyes are on the healthcare insurer these days.