The plight of medical providers collecting timely reimbursements from health insurers is a struggle that has been getting tougher by the year. Health insurance claim denials have come under scrutiny in light of recent events. Sentiment has turned sour on the medical sector stocks of insurance carriers and healthcare facilities and operators. Adding to the selling pressure are concerns the Trump administration will let the premium tax credit (PTC) for health exchange subsidies that expire under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expire at the end of 2025.
HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: HCA) is the nation’s largest for-profit hospital operator that has recently seen its stock price drop nearly 25% within the last 60 days from a peak of $417.14 on October 17, 2024, to $313.93 on Dec.6, 2024. HCA shares have been cascading lower since its Q3 2024 release, which missed consensus analyst EPS estimates by 8 cents and revenue estimates by $39.34 million. The selling may be overdone, and here are four reasons to consider buying the dip.
