In a statement to ABC News, a company spokesperson said the "voluntary option is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our team is best positioned to meet the evolving needs of the people and customers we are honored to serve.

UnitedHealth's insurance unit is offering employees in its benefits operations unit the option to accept buyouts if they quit by March 3.

If UnitedHealthcare does not meet a resignation quota through buyouts, it will lay off employees, two people familiar with the matter said.