UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC | 2013 | FY | 3

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31 is as follows:
(in millions)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period
 
$
81

 
$
129

 
$
220

Gross increases:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Current year tax positions
 
8

 
6

 
11

Prior year tax positions
 
5

 
18

 
10

Gross decreases:
 
 

 
 

 
 
Prior year tax positions
 
—

 
(48
)
 
(34
)
Settlements
 
—

 
(10
)
 
(25
)
Statute of limitations lapses
 
(5
)
 
(14
)
 
(53
)
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, end of period
 
$
89

 
$
81

 
$
129

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