Health Care Stocks Jump On Expectations for Republican Upset In Massachusetts (HUM, UNH, PFE, more...)

A number of healthcare stocks are higher today as it is looking increasing likely that a Republican will win the Massachusetts Senate seat left vacant by the late Ted Kennedy. A Republican win would upset the delicate 60-vote balance in support of health reform and would mean the House would have to pass the existing Senate bill with no changes or offer more comprise to Republicans.

Manged care stocks like Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), United Health Group (NYSE: UNH), CIGNA Corp. (NYSE: CI), and Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) are all up between 3-6% today on the news.

Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Merck (NYSE: MRK), Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY), Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: BMY) are all up between 3-5% today.

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