Uncategorized


October 9, 2025

DC Quick Takes: Govt. Shutdown, Farmer Aid and Stimulus, Redistricting

By Joe Lieber

Today we look at four market relevant items, including: 1) update on the government shutdown; 2) potential stimulus from Washington, which might be offset from a bigger rescission; and 3) a court case that could…

Read More >>

October 8, 2025

[EHAB, PNTG, ADUS, BTSG, UNH, AVAH]: Medicare Home Health Expectations

By Beth Steindecker

We remain optimistic that home health companies [EHAB, PNTG, ADUS, BTSG, UNH, AVAH] will secure some mitigation in the final CY26 Medicare reimbursement rule, which may be released as early as month’s end and as…

Read More >>

October 6, 2025

Still Optimistic on Obamacare Subsidy Fix with Reforms, But Less So on Age Rating and Reinsurance [OSCR, CNC, ELV, CYH, THC, HCA, UHS, ACHC]

By Beth Steindecker

Nearly a week into the government shutdown, with the parties dug in, we continue to expect Congress to “fix” the enhanced Obamacare subsidy cliff, benefiting exchange insurers, hospitals, and behavioral health providers. The questions remain…

Read More >>

October 6, 2025

(DE, ADM, MOS, TSCO) The Farm Complex: Washington to the Rescue

By Joe Lieber

We see four policy-related events that should be positive to the farm complex, including companies like Deere (DE), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Mosaic (MOS) and Tractor Supply (TSCO). Those events include: An event by the…

Read More >>

October 6, 2025

Capitol Policy Weekly: Government Shutdown, Farmer Aid and Drug Pricing

By Joe Lieber

While the government shutdown is the top issue in Washington this week, we could also expect: 1) positive news out of the White House on aid for farmers, which is likely positive for the farm…

Read More >>

October 1, 2025

Rx Pricing: More Shoes to Drop or Clearing Event?

By John Leppard

The White House’s Rx pricing agreement with PFE yesterday – with the promise of additional company deals next week – may provide industry with some incremental goodwill, but we are dubious that it takes broader…

Read More >>

September 29, 2025

Capitol Policy Weekly: A Government Shutdown, Liquidity, Trade and the NDAA

By Joe Lieber

Two issues are likely to dominate Washington this week: 1) the likelihood of a government shutdown; and 2) the fallout of Trump’s recent trade announcements. Additionally, we expect the Senate to resume consideration of the…

Read More >>

September 29, 2025

Medicare Advantage: CMS’ Stable Message Eclipsed by Falling Enrollment Forecast, But A Wait and See Attitude Is Appropriate

By Beth Steindecker

While reports over the weekend about CMS’s Friday release of the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Plan (PDP) premium, deductible and other information for the 2026 plan year focused on the 2.6% projected cut…

Read More >>

September 26, 2025

Medicare Advantage RADV Audits in Legal Limbo, But Don’t Discount Its Resurrection [HUM, UNH, CVS, CNC, ELV, ALHC]

By Beth Steindecker

Medicare Advantage (MA) insurers [HUM, UNH, CVS, CNC, ELV, ALHC] received some positive legal news that for now neutralizes the concern of widespread Medicare audits and potential concomitant recoupments. However, yesterday’s federal district court ruling…

Read More >>

September 25, 2025

Obamacare Fix: Still Optimistic, But Not Clean or Near Term [OSCR, CNC, HCA, THC, UHS, ACHC]

By Beth Steindecker

We continue to be optimistic and think the odds have risen above 50% that Congress later this year reaches a compromise to “fix” the expiring enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which would further remove some of the…

Read More >>