Key Takeaways Managed care stocks were pressured by high utilization, but pricing and cost trends are now stabilizing.UNH benefits from scale and Optum integration as margins normalize after earlier medical cost pressure.CVS and CNC show improving execution as pricing discipline and enrollment trends support 2026 earnings.The overall healthcare sector entered 2025 on shaky ground. Managed care stocks, especially HMOs, were weighed down by stubbornly high medical utilization, tighter reimbursement assumption ...

As health-insurance premiums often cost thousands each year, steep increases in these expenses can have a big impact on people’s FIRE plans. Many early retirees rely on the performance of their investments and access to healthcare through the ACA. While a huge spike in the cost of health insurance is a big problem for most early retirees, it may be especially worrisome for those who may be closer to traditional retirement age and face significantly higher premiums , or who have health issues that could cost ...