UnitedHealth Group Adds 1,500 New Jobs in Texas

A diversified managed healthcare company, UnitedHealth Group

, announced earlier today that it is planning to create 1,500 new jobs in Texas, which would increase its Texas workforce by almost 14%. The company noted that 800 of the new positions would be located at its new solution center in Irving, which will open in July. 330 of UnitedHealth Group's new positions will be at the Optum's pharmacy benefit management business, 250 jobs in San Antonio, and 115 jobs in Harlingen. UnitedHealth CEO Stephen J. Hemsley said, “We have chosen to expand our business in Texas because of this state's determination to bring dependable, rewarding employment to the people who live here and Texas' commitment to improving access to higher-quality health care for consumers.” The shares of UnitedHealth are up 14% year-to-date. The stock is currently trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. On today's trading session, the shares have gained slightly under 1% of $0.43 and are trading around the $58 level.