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(Reuters) - UnitedHealth shares fell more than 6% on Wednesday after the UK's Guardian newspaper reported the company made secret payments to nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers, adding to the woes of the healthcare conglomerate. The alleged action, part of a series of cost-cutting tactics, has saved the company millions, but at times risked residents' health, the Guardian reported, citing an investigation. The allegations add to the negatives that have hurt UnitedHealth, following a cyberattack at its Change Healthcare unit, reports of criminal and civil probes on company's practices and the departure of CEO Andrew Witty, who resigned as director on Wednesday. Shares have stumbled all year, losing more than 39%, compared with a 0.6% decrease for the Dow. UnitedHealth said in response that