CVS Health exceeded second-quarter earnings and revenue estimates and raised its full-year guidance, driven by better-than-expected medical costs in its Aetna insurance business. The results signal improvement in the struggling insurance division.
UnitedHealth Group raised its 2026 profit outlook and beat quarterly earnings estimates, signaling recovery from previous challenges through tighter management of medical costs and improved performance in its Optum health services business.
ACA Marketplace deductibles hit a record 37% increase in 2026 following the expiration of enhanced tax credits, pushing millions of enrollees toward cheaper, higher-deductible bronze plans. Premium payment rates have also dropped sharply across multiple states.
Millions of Americans are dropping health insurance coverage after Congress refused to extend federal tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, resulting in significantly higher premiums that many cannot afford.
