** Brokerage Baird says President Donald Trump's comments from last Friday to "love and cherish" Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are positive for hospital operators and Medicaid focused health insurers
** Shares of health insurers UnitedHealth Group UNH.N rise 1.4%, Molina Healthcare MOH.N up 4%, Centene CNC.N up 1.4%, Elevance Health ELV.N up 2.2%
** Shares of hospital operators HCA Healthcare HCA.N up 1.7%, Tenet Healthcare THC.N up 2.7% and Universal Health Services UHS.N up 1.4%
** Baird says Republican Congress members have reportedly been eyeing Medicaid plans for lower-income Americans as a potential area for spending reform
** "If Congress were able to pass legislation including significant Medicaid reform, Trump's positive updated view on Medicaid may lead to a presidential veto," which is unlikely to be overridden — Baird
** Up to last close, CNC down 15.1% and HCA up 8.2% in the last 12 months
(Reporting by Christy Santhosh)
((Christy.Santhosh@thomsonreuters.com))
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.