In 1974, Richard Taylor Burke founded Charter Med Incorporated, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In 1977, the United HealthCare Corporation was created to reorganize the company and became the parent company of Charter Med.
In 1988, United HealthCare launched its first pharmacy benefit management, through its Diversified Pharmaceutical Services subsidiary where it managed pharmacy benefits delivered both through retail pharmacies and mail. This subsidiary was eventually sold to SmithKline Beecham in 1994 for $2.3 billion.
UnitedHealthcare acquired numerous companies over the years to fuel its growth into the largest health care provider in the world. UnitedHealthcare currently provides health insurance services to about 50.1 million individuals which include MA (Medicare Advantage), managed Medicaid, employer-sponsored insurance, and individual insurance.
UnitedHealthcare also moved into the global market and currently provides health benefits and associated services to 4 million people, mainly in Brazil. UnitedHealthcare provides its services in more than 125 countries around the world.