CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 2,484	$ 2,802	$ 2,934
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of Gentiva Hospice	0	(237)	0
Loss on investment securities, net	54	205	130
Gain on Kindred at Home equity method investment	0	0	(1,129)
Equity in net losses (earnings)	63	4	(65)
Stock-based compensation	175	216	180
Depreciation	850	749	640
Amortization	67	96	73
Impairment of property and equipment	206	248	0
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets	55	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(167)	(100)	15
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and dispositions:
Receivables	(337)	(54)	(280)
Other assets	(1,318)	(463)	(491)
Benefits payable	915	975	104
Other liabilities	841	44	176
Unearned revenues	(20)	32	(65)
Other, net	113	70	40
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,981	4,587	2,262
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of Gentiva Hospice, net	0	2,701	0
Acquisitions, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	(233)	(337)	(4,187)
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,004)	(1,137)	(1,342)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	210	17	26
Purchases of investment securities	(7,552)	(6,049)	(7,197)
Maturities of investment securities	1,292	1,365	2,597
Proceeds from sales of investment securities	3,795	2,434	3,547
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,492)	(1,006)	(6,556)
Cash flows from financing activities
Receipts (withdrawals) from contract deposits, net	828	1,993	(306)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net	2,544	1,982	2,984
Repayment of senior notes	(1,832)	(1,000)	0
Proceeds (repayments) from issuance of commercial paper, net	211	(376)	352
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	100	0	0
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(100)	0	0
Proceeds from term loan	0	0	2,500
Repayment of term loan	(500)	(2,000)	(2,078)
Debt issue costs	(7)	(6)	(31)
Common stock repurchases	(1,573)	(2,096)	(79)
Dividends paid	(431)	(392)	(354)
Change in book overdraft	55	(28)	6
Other, net	(151)	9	21
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(856)	(1,914)	3,015
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(367)	1,667	(1,279)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,061	3,394	4,673
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,694	5,061	3,394
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Interest payments	394	354	285
Income tax payments, net	997	758	227
Details of businesses acquired in purchase transactions:
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired	462	460	9,804
Less: Fair value of liabilities assumed	(234)	(70)	(3,235)
Less: Noncontrolling interests acquired	5	(53)	(22)
Less: Remeasured existing Kindred at Home equity method investment	0	0	(2,360)
Cash paid for acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 233	$ 337	$ 4,187