Cyberattack costs hit UnitedHealth in 1Q that still turns out better than expected

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) trounced first-quarter expectations even as costs from a cyberattack to its Change Healthcare business ate into the company’s performance. 

The healthcare giant also Tuesday that care patterns in the year’s first quarter met its expectations after soaring medical costs at the end of last year surprised Wall Street. 

Company shares jumped in early-morning trading. 

UnitedHealth said earlier this year that a ransomware group had gained access to some of the systems of its Change Healthcare business, which provides technology used to submit and process insurance claims. The attack disrupted payment and claims processing around the country, stressing doctor’s offices and healthcare systems.