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Cigna

Cigna Group

Cigna primarily provides pharmacy benefit management and health insurance services. Its PBM and specialty pharmacy services, which were greatly expanded by its 2018 merger with Express Scripts, are mostly sold to health insurance plans and employers. Its largest PBM contract is the Department of Defense, and it recently won a deal with top-tier insurer Centene. In health insurance and other benefits, Cigna mostly serves employers through self-funding arrangements, and the company operates mostly in the US with 17 million US and 2 million international medical members covered as of September 2024.

The Cigna Group

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China Steel Corp

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C3is Inc

CHINA STEEL CORP S/GDR by China Steel Corp.

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Cosco Shipping Development Co Ltd

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Cartica Acquisition Corp - Class A Ordinary Shares

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Critical Infrastructure Technologies Ltd

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China Industrial Waste Management Inc

CITZNS FINCL CORP W VA by Citizens Financial Corp. (WV)

Citizens Financial Corp WV

Compx International Inc

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Citizens Holding Co

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
Major averages jumped on Friday but still logged weekly losses, with the Dow down 2.3%, the S&amp;P 500 falling 2%, and the Nasdaq losing 1.8%. 
The Federal Reserve&#8217;s widely anticipated 25-basis-point rate cut on Wednesday was overshadowed by its revised 2025 inflation forecasts and Jerome Powell&#8216;s cautious stance, dampening hopes for deeper cuts next year. Powell emphasized a "new phase" of monetary policy after a 100-basis-point reduction in 2024, signaling <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/12/42629219/fed-cuts-interest-rates-but-powell-spoils-santa-claus-rally-dollar-surges-to-over-2-year-high-bitcoin-sinks-below-100000-this-week-in-the-market">only gradual easing in 2025</a>.
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), which had reached a record $108,388 before the Fed meeting, fell below $100,000 as markets absorbed the news.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42525257/analyst-hikes-teslas-price-target-to-515-musk-expresses-hope-for-stock-to-touch-69042">Elon Musk Hopes TSLA Stock Will Reach $690 As Analysts Raise Price Target Despite Technical Indicators Flashing Warning Signals</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf">Anan Ashraf</a>, reports Elon Musk's optimism about Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) reaching $690, as analysts upgraded the stock with $515 price targets, citing potential benefits from Musk's alignment with Donald Trump's pro-autonomous vehicle policies.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42602503/dave-portnoy-says-he-owns-15-million-bitcoin-13-million-xrp-bet-it-and-set-it-not-trading">Dave Portnoy Says He Owns $1.5 Million Bitcoin, $1.3 Million XRP: &#8216;Bet It And Set It, Not Trading&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a> , reveals that Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, holds $1.5 million in Bitcoin and $1.3 million in XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>), emphasizing a long-term investment strategy rather than active trading, following insights from a recent conversation with Michael Saylor.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42516826/nvidia-and-5-other-stocks-are-analysts-top-semiconductor-picks-for-2025-sees-2-ai-trends">Nvidia And 5 Other Stocks Are Analyst&#8217;s Top Semiconductor Picks For 2025, Sees 2 AI Trends</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/hayden-buckfire">Hayden Buckfire</a>, highlights a Bank of America analyst naming NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), and Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) as top AI-driven semiconductor picks for 2025, alongside Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), ON Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>), and Cadence Design Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDNS#NASDAQ">CDNS</a>).
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42547442/microsof-scoops-up-485000-nvidia-ai-chips-twice-as-many-as-its-closest-rival-meta-report">Microsoft Scoops Up 485,000 Nvidia AI Chips, Twice As Many As Its Closest Rival Meta: Report</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42599673/amazon-has-20000-rivian-electric-delivery-vans-in-fleet-heres-what-could-be-next-for-both-companies">Amazon Has 20,000 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans In Fleet: Here&#8217;s What Could Be Next For Both Companies</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/12/42535298/joby-clears-faa-tail-test-stock-flies-higher">Joby Clears FAA Tail Test, Stock Flies Higher</a>
The Bears
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42522048/jim-cramer-warns-nvidias-vicious-and-fast-reversal-is-coming-amid-174-surge-this-year-and-china-antitrust-probe">Jim Cramer Warns Nvidia&#8217;s &#8216;Vicious&#8217; And &#8216;Fast&#8217; Reversal Is Coming Amid 174% Surge This Year And China Antitrust Probe</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/kaustubh-bagalkote">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>, features Jim Cramer's caution about NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) facing a sharp correction after its 174% YTD gain, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny from China over its Mellanox Technologies acquisition.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42568740/dogecoin-bull-says-he-had-to-sell-as-meme-king-plunges-to-5-week-low-but-derivative-traders-remain-bullish">Dogecoin Bull Says He &#8216;Had To Sell&#8217; As Meme King Plunges To 5-Week Low But Derivative Traders Remain Bullish</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, reports on Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) dropping amid Federal Reserve concerns, with early adopter Glauber Contessoto selling some holdings.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman">CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Shares Slide As Trump Targets Drug &#8216;Middleman&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/adam-eckert">Adam Eckert</a>, reports that shares of CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), and UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) dropped after Trump vowed to eliminate Pharmacy Benefit Managers, citing their role in inflating drug prices and contributing to industry inefficiencies.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42559347/trump-administration-could-ban-amazons-top-selling-routers-linked-to-chinese-cyberattacks-report">Trump Administration Could Ban Amazon&#8217;s Top-Selling Routers Linked To Chinese Cyberattacks: Report</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42529095/bitcoin-crash-could-trigger-stock-market-decline-in-2025-warns-expert-im-very-worried-that-people-overextended-themselves">Bitcoin Crash Could Trigger Stock Market Decline In 2025, Warns Expert: &#8216;I&#8217;m Very Worried That People Overextended Themselves&#8217;</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42536470/costco-warns-that-tariffs-raise-prices-trump-team-says-trade-policies-will-make-life-affordable">Costco Warns That Tariffs Raise Prices, Trump Team Says Trade Policies Will &#8216;Make Life Affordable&#8217;</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.

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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Broadcom, UnitedHealth, Bitcoin And Dogecoin Bull 'Had To Sell' After Price Plunge

According to a report, U.S. healthcare spending grew by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023. The increase was fueled by higher enrollment in private health plans and expanded use of medical services, driven by legislative changes and post-pandemic rebounds in care utilization.
Healthcare spending accounted for 17.6% of the U.S. economy, outpacing GDP growth of 2.9%. Spending on retail prescription drugs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2024.01375" rel="noreferrer noopener">saw</a> the most significant rise, jumping 11.4% to $449.7 billion.
The report attributed this to increased use of medications for obesity and diabetes.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41866438/donald-trumps-second-term-could-reshape-us-healthcare-system-with-major-impacts-on-affordable-care-act-and-medicare" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donald Trump&#8217;s Second Term Could Reshape US Healthcare System, With Major Impacts on Affordable Care Act And Medicare</a>
The rapid growth in spending for drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity contributed to faster overall growth in retail prescription drug expenditures and private health insurance and Medicare spending growth.
Hospital care spending rose 10.4% to $1.5 trillion in 2023, marking the fastest growth since 1990. Hospital discharges increased by 1.6%, with Medicare beneficiaries driving higher outpatient service utilization.
Spending on physician and clinical services also climbed by 7.4% to $978 billion, with private insurance and Medicare patients contributing to this rise.
Enrollment in private health insurance grew by 1.6%, adding 3.3 million Americans.
Private insurance spending surged by 11.5%, reaching $1.5 trillion and accounting for 30% of national healthcare expenditures.
Medicare spending grew 8.1% to $1 trillion, representing 21% of total healthcare spending. Medicaid spending, however, grew more slowly at 7.9%, reflecting the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The report also revealed that 92.5% of Americans had health insurance in 2023, up from 92.0% in 2022, underscoring the broader coverage expansion in recent years.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42599673/amazon-has-20000-rivian-electric-delivery-vans-in-fleet-heres-what-could-be-next-for-both-companies">Amazon Has 20,000 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans In Fleet: Here&#8217;s What Could Be Next For Both Companies</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by MargJohnsonVA via Shutterstock

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streetTRACKS Dow Jones U.S. Large Cap Value Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

iShares Dow Jones US Health Care Provides Index Fund

iShares Trust Dow Jones US Healthcare Sector Index Fund

Your Healthcare Costs are Soaring! US Spending Reached $5 Trillion In 2023 with Major Increase in Obesity and Diabetes Drugs, Hospital Services

WIIM

Shares of pharmacy benefit managers and insurance stocks are trading higher. The sector may be rebounding after falling on recent comments from President-elect Trump criticizing the space.

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CRDF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$56.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$51.9K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>687</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HIMS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
<td>$34.4K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>648</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
<td>$47.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>321</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PEN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$52.2K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>223</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NMRA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$36.0K</td>
<td>13.7K</td>
<td>104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$97.00</td>
<td>$25.8K</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>46</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$29.8K</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
<td>$127.8K</td>
<td>238</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding CRDF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDF#NASDAQ">CRDF</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 663 contract(s) at a $5.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.3K, with a price of $88.0 per contract. There were 1040 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 21 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $51.9K, with a price of $2480.0 per contract. There were 2415 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 687 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For HIMS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 128 contract(s) at a $32.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.4K, with a price of $279.0 per contract. There were 2000 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 648 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 250 contract(s) at a $37.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 41 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.5K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 1897 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 321 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PEN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEN#NYSE">PEN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 212 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $280.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.2K, with a price of $2090.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 223 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NMRA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NMRA#NASDAQ">NMRA</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 30 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $15.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.0K, with a price of $360.0 per contract. There were 13769 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 104 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 394 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $500.0 per contract. There were 3611 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 50 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 22 contract(s) at a $97.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.8K, with a price of $1175.0 per contract. There were 28 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 46 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 120 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 15 contract(s) at a $290.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.8K, with a price of $1990.0 per contract. There were 26 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 42 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 184 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 18 contract(s) at a $780.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $127.8K, with a price of $7105.0 per contract. There were 238 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 27 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

CRDF

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

NMRA

VKTX

10 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Macro Economic Events

Market Summary

Economics

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Benzinga Market Summary: Dow Rises Following Recent Weakness, Pharmacy Benefit Managers Rebound, Fed Rate Decision To Be Announced At 2:00 p.m.

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – key intermediaries in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain – have come under scrutiny for their role in exacerbating the opioid epidemic.
While presenting themselves as proactive in curbing opioid abuse, PBMs quietly profited from arrangements with drugmakers that undermined safeguards against overprescribing, a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/business/pharmacy-benefit-managers-opioids.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> by The New York Times reveals.
The three largest PBMs—UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>),&nbsp;through its Optum unit,&nbsp;CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) via CVS Caremark, and&nbsp;Cigna Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) through Express Scripts oversee prescription drug access for over 200 million Americans.
Several state and local governments have filed lawsuits against drug companies and PBMs, accusing them of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40560002/governments-suing-pharmacy-benefit-managers-over-insulin-prices-have-long-benefited-from-their-r" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflating insulin prices</a>.
These companies negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers and employers, often collecting rebates from manufacturers in exchange for favorable placement on insurance formularies.
However, the NYT report says that internal documents reveal that PBMs repeatedly bargained away restrictions that could have curbed opioid misuse in exchange for lucrative rebates.
For example, Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, explicitly offered rebates to PBMs to remove limits on prescribing their drugs. These deals eliminated prior authorization requirements and allowed higher prescription doses than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/06/39531087/purdue-pharma-bankruptcy-plan-rejected-by-supreme-court-billionaire-sacklers-to-face-lawsuits" rel="noreferrer noopener">federal guidelines suggested</a>.
Internal communications from Purdue and PBMs celebrated these arrangements as boosting sales while ensuring favorable drug coverage.
The NYT investigation highlights that opioid manufacturers paid staggering rebates to PBMs.
Between 2003 and 2012, Purdue's annual rebates for OxyContin nearly doubled to $400 million. PBMs retained a portion of these funds while passing some to their clients, incentivizing insurers to avoid imposing prescribing restrictions.
PBMs sometimes actively worked with manufacturers to prevent insurers from introducing safeguards. The lack of restrictions directly contributed to the worsening opioid crisis, the report said.
High prescription thresholds and unrestricted access facilitated overprescribing and fueled addiction.
One 2015 study found that patients receiving doses well below the thresholds negotiated by PBMs were still at significantly increased risk of overdose and death.
Despite mounting evidence and public pressure, PBMs prioritized revenue over patient safety, according to the report. In 2017, as public outrage over the opioid epidemic grew, Express Scripts and Optum Rx delayed introducing safety measures, citing potential losses from reduced rebates.
Some executives within these companies voiced frustration over prioritizing profits over lives, highlighting the ethical conflict at play.
Although PBMs later implemented stricter opioid controls following federal and state pressures, the damage was already done.
Critics argue that these measures were motivated more by public relations concerns than a genuine commitment to ending the crisis.
According to a Bloomberg&nbsp;report, Trump said he plans to "knock out" PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman" rel="noreferrer noopener">from the industry</a>.
In September, the&nbsp;FTC filed a complaint&nbsp;accusing the PBMs of creating a system that benefits them financially by prioritizing drug rebates, forcing patients to pay higher costs for life-saving insulin.
These PBMs, referred to as the Big Three, administer around 80% of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40964870/us-federal-trade-commission-sues-cvs-health-cigna-unitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-for-infl" rel="noreferrer noopener">prescriptions in the U.S</a>.
However, the PBMs argue that this action seeks to upend current drug rebate contracts and disrupt long-standing practices, all while expanding the FTC's authority <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42097386/cvs-healthcignaunitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-accuse-ftc-of-overreach-in-effort-to-reshape-drug-rebate-system" rel="noreferrer noopener">beyond traditional limits</a>.
Price Action: At last check Wednesday, CI stock was up 4.34% to $277.12, CVS stock was up 2.97% to $45.35, and UNH stock was up 2.13% to $495.35.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/12/42552200/sony-semiconductor-hits-20-billion-image-sensor-shipments-plans-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sony Semiconductor Hits 20 Billion Image Sensor Shipments, Plans Expansion</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Media

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Played Key Role in Worsening Opioid Crisis, Drug Makers Paid Staggering Rebates To Middlemen: NYT

Cigna (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 3.78% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 12.18%. Currently, Cigna has a market capitalization of $73.87 billion. 
Buying $100 In CI: If an investor had bought $100 of CI stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $996.09 today based on a price of $265.59 for CI at the time of writing.
<h3>Cigna's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734479110_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 20 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Shares of Pharmacy-benefit managers (PBMs) including&nbsp;CVS Health Corp&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>),&nbsp;UnitedHealth Group Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) and Cigna Group&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) are moving lower Tuesday on continued downside pressure following aggressive commentary from President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;regarding plans to cut <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman">drug middlemen out of the industry</a>.
What To Know: Trump on Monday announced plans to "knock out" PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, from the healthcare industry, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-16/trump-middleman-remark-sinks-cvs-unitedhealth-cigna-shares?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg</a>. 
&#8220;You know the middleman, right? The horrible middleman that makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they don&#8217;t do anything except they&#8217;re a middleman,&#8221; President-elect Trump said. &#8220;We&#8217;re going to knock out the middleman.&#8221;
CVS Health's Caremark,&nbsp;UnitedHealth's OptumRx and Cigna's Express Scripts are the three largest PBMs. The companies have faced repeated criticism for driving up the prices of drugs. The role of PBMs in the industry has seen increased attention in recent weeks following the murder&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/12/42427146/pennsylvania-mcdonalds-where-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-arrested-gets-review-bombed-more-like-narc-donalds">UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Brian Thompson</a>.
Don&#8217;t Miss: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42371469/blue-shields-500-million-drug-savings-initiative-with-amazon-pharmacy-can-potentially-launch-in-january">Blue Shield&#8217;s $500 Million Drug Savings Initiative With Amazon Pharmacy Can Potentially Launch In January</a>
Shares of CVS, UnitedHealth and Cigna all traded lower on Monday following Trump&#8217;s comments. The trio is moving lower again on Tuesday after Pfizer Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>) CEO Albert Bourla said Trump is &#8220;very committed&#8221; to implementing changes to stop drug middlemen from inflating prices. 
&#8220;The president has very strong views,&#8221; Bourla said on a call with analysts and investors Tuesday morning, before adding that Trump &#8220;wants transparency.&#8221;
"It seems to me that he is very committed to make this happen," the Pfizer CEO said.
Sen.&nbsp;Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D.-Mass.) and&nbsp;Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;(R.-Mo.) unveiled a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42450947/bipartisan-lawmakers-aim-to-break-up-health-care-giants-with-new-legislation">new Senate bill</a> last week that would require the companies that own PBMs to divest those businesses within three years.
The proposed legislation is not expected to gain traction in Congress until next year. 
CVS, UNH CI Price Action: At the time of publication, CVS shares were down 5.48% at $44.01, UnitedHealth shares were down 2.66% at $485.15 and Cigna shares were down 2.84% at $265.54, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Shutterstock.

Movers

What's Going On With CVS Health, UnitedHealth And Cigna Group Shares?

Shares of CVS Health Corp&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>),&nbsp;Cigna Group&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) and&nbsp;UnitedHealth Group Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) are falling Monday afternoon after President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to target Pharmacy-benefit managers (PBMs) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42496937/analyst-bitcoins-potential-surge-to-800000-in-2025-tied-to-trumps-policies-says-this-analyst">during his administration</a>.
What Happened: According to a Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-16/trump-middleman-remark-sinks-cvs-unitedhealth-cigna-shares?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">report</a>, Trump on Monday sent shares of PBMs lower when he said he plans to &#8220;knock out&#8221; PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, from the industry.
CVS Health&#8217;s Caremark,&nbsp;Cigna&#8217;s Express Scripts and&nbsp;UnitedHealth&#8217;s OptumRx are the three largest PBMs. The companies have faced repeated criticism for driving up the prices of drugs.
"We have a thing called the middleman," Trump reportedly told reporters on Monday.
"You know the middleman, right? The horrible middleman that makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they don't do anything except they're a middleman," he said. "We're going to knock out the middleman."
The news comes after Sen.&nbsp;Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D.-Mass.) and&nbsp;Sen. Josh Hawley&nbsp;(R.-Mo.) unveiled a new bipartisan Senate bill last week that would require the companies that own PBMs to divest those businesses within three years.
&#8220;PBMs have manipulated the market to enrich themselves — hiking up drug costs, cheating employers, and driving small pharmacies out of business,&#8221; Warren said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42515044/broadcom-tesla-propel-nasdaq-100-gains-bitcoin-hits-107000-fueling-crypto-stocks-rally-whats-driving-markets-monday">Broadcom, Tesla Propel Nasdaq 100 Gains, Bitcoin Hits $107,000, Fuels Crypto Stocks Rally: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Monday?</a>
The proposed legislation is not expected to gain traction in Congress until next year, but comments from Trump on Monday suggest the problems with the drug industry could be addressed sooner rather than later.
The role of PBMs in the healthcare industry has been a heightened focus in recent weeks following the murder&nbsp;of&nbsp;UnitedHealthcare&nbsp;CEO&nbsp;Brian Thompson. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42365853/unitedhealthcare-faces-tough-questions-following-insurance-business-ceos-tragic-death" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Several dissatisfied patients</a>&nbsp;have expressed dissatisfaction with PBMs since. Luigi Mangione&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42423214/luigi-mangione-fights-extradition-to-new-york-on-murder-charge-shouts-at-press-outside-courthouse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has been charged</a>&nbsp;with killing Thompson.
CVS, CI, UNH Price Action: At publication time, CVS shares were down 5.61% at $46.60, Cigna Group shares were down 3.05% at $272.76 and UnitedHealth shares were down 4.22% at $498.50, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

CVS, Cigna, UnitedHealth Shares Slide As Trump Targets Drug 'Middleman'

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TEVA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$167.5K</td>
<td>17.1K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$29.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$292.5K</td>
<td>6.2K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRDN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$27.0K</td>
<td>458</td>
<td>599</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MCK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$580.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td>250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PRAX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BMY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$32.6K</td>
<td>615</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$25.1K</td>
<td>42</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TEVA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEVA#NYSE">TEVA</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 2500 contract(s) at a $17.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $167.5K, with a price of $67.0 per contract. There were 17104 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2970 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 38 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.9K, with a price of $788.0 per contract. There were 1381 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2262 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CVS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 205 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 25 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.7K, with a price of $267.0 per contract. There were 6605 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1828 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 760 day(s) on January 15, 2027. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $292.5K, with a price of $11700.0 per contract. There were 6297 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1688 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRDN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRDN#NASDAQ">VRDN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $22.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.0K, with a price of $135.0 per contract. There were 458 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 599 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MCK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCK#NYSE">MCK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 4 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 56 contract(s) at a $580.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $57.1K, with a price of $1020.0 per contract. There were 475 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 250 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PRAX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRAX#NASDAQ">PRAX</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 98 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.0K, with a price of $460.0 per contract. There were 14 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 99 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BMY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 95 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 20 contract(s) at a $40.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.6K, with a price of $1630.0 per contract. There were 615 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 151 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.1K, with a price of $2517.0 per contract. There were 42 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

PRAX

TEVA

VRDN

9 Health Care Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Shares of health insurance stocks and pharmacy benefit managers are trading lower after President-elect Trump indicated he would 'knock out' the middle men regarding the drug industry.

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/j-j-accuses-big-health-insurer-of-helping-drain-its-drug-copay-funds-4b425811?mod=latest_headlines">https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/j-j-accuses-big-health-insurer-of-helping-drain-its-drug-copay-funds-4b425811?mod=latest_headlines</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/JNJ">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> has sued divisions of health insurer <a href="https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/CI">Cigna</a>, accusing them of working with a drug-benefit middleman to drain J&amp;J <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/patients-lose-access-to-free-medicines-amid-spat-between-drugmakers-health-plans-cca15b58?mod=article_inline">financial-assistance funds earmarked for patients</a> taking some of its pricier drugs.
The move by J&amp;J widens litigation the healthcare giant <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/j-j-sues-drug-benefit-middleman-over-use-of-drug-cost-assistance-program-11651698029?mod=article_inline">initiated in 2022</a> against a middleman, SaveOnSP LLC, and is a new flare-up of long-running tension over drug prices among manufacturers, insurers, pharmacy-benefit managers and other middlemen in recent years.

Legal

"J&J Accuses Big Health Insurer of Helping Drain Its Drug Copay Funds; Pharmaceutical company claims Cigna units worked with SaveOn and caused it to pay more than $100 million in copay assistance than it would have otherwise" - WSJ

The death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left the internet divided, with some showing sympathy for murder suspect Luigi Mangione, who was arrested and charged in<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42316904/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-fatally-shot-outside-nyc-hotel"> last week's shooting death.</a>
What Happened: Following the death of Thompson, insurance companies have been in the spotlight due to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42423214/luigi-mangione-fights-extradition-to-new-york-on-murder-charge-shouts-at-press-outside-courthouse">potential motive Mangione </a>had of denial claims and high costs for health care patients from companies like UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), the parent company of UnitedHealthcare.
In a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," podcaster Joe Rogan shared his thoughts about the murder.
Rogan suggested the public wasn't as sympathetic to Thompson and UnitedHealthcare over the murder due to the "dirty business" in which he operated. 
"I think this guy, if I had to guess, was some guy who got f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ed over," Rogan said of the suspect. "Apparently, that company is really bad at denying claims."
The episode, which featured filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and producer Roger Avary, was filmed before Mangione was arrested, as <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/11/us-news/joe-rogan-blasts-dirty-healthcare-insurance-industry-after-unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompsons-murder/">reported </a>by the New York Post.
Avary said the high denial rate for health insurance claims could be why the public is not showing sympathy for Thompson's death.
"I don' think anybody is, like, going to be crying too hard over (Thompson)," Avary said.
Rogan said that the only people crying over Thompson's death are "maybe his family, but that's about it.
"It's a dirty, dirty business. The business of insurance is f&#x2A;&#x2A;&#x2A;ing gross. It's gross. Especially health care insurance," Rogan added.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42418763/unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-chronic-pain-unabomber-fascination-isolation-details-emerge">UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect: Chronic Pain, Unabomber Fascination, Isolation Details Emerge</a>
Why It's Important: Rogan's comments come as the public has now learned that 26-year-old Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, who is charged with murdering Thompson.
A manifesto document reportedly contained comments on health insurance companies focusing on profits and greed over public health.
Mangione is fighting extradition from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald's, to New York. The suspect has not publicly shared a motive for the killing with which he is charged other than the manifesto that police said was found.
Mangione reportedly suffered from chronic back pain, which kept him from activities like surfing and intimate relationships. It is unknown at this time whether Mangione had personal dealings with UnitedHealthcare.
Rogan's comments about the "dirty" health insurance sector come as New York police have warned about increased threats against health care executives. Online posts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42451885/nypd-warns-about-wanted-posters-targeting-executives-including-amex-ceos-image-and-crossed-out-unitedhealth-ceo">have listed the names</a> and salaries of other figures in the sector. Flyers resembling wanted posters have also popped up across New York featuring images of financial executives, prompting concerns over copycat attacks.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) shut down Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to Mangione. X suspended the account linked to Mangione before Elon Musk worked to get it restored. The account has generated millions of impressions and has people on the internet launching crypto tokens connected to the suspect and also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/12/42427146/pennsylvania-mcdonalds-where-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-arrested-gets-review-bombed-more-like-narc-donalds">posting negative reviews</a> for the Pennsylvania McDonald's location where police were called when Mangione was recognized.
Members of Congress are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42450947/bipartisan-lawmakers-aim-to-break-up-health-care-giants-with-new-legislation">targeting the health insurance sector</a> and companies like CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) and UnitedHealth Group could be forced to divest portions of their business if a new bill is passed.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/24/12/42427146/pennsylvania-mcdonalds-where-unitedhealthcare-ceo-murder-suspect-arrested-gets-review-bombed-more-like-narc-donalds">Pennsylvania McDonald&#8217;s Where UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect Arrested Gets Review Bombed: &#8216;More Like Narc-Donalds&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

Joe Rogan On Public Sympathy For UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Suspect: Health Insurance A 'Dirty, Dirty Business'

Shares of pharmacy benefit manager stocks are trading lower in possible reaction to a recent report suggesting a bipartisan lawmakers are seeking to potentially break up companies in the sector.

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