US reform a future boost for drugmakers, others

Could US healthcare reform improve the industry's profit prognosis? Drugmakers, health insurers and medical device manufacturers have downplayed suggestions that the Obama administration's effort to revamp the $2.5 trillion healthcare system will pump up their profits. But longer term, the overhaul would result in more Americans accessing healthcare. Legislation moving through Congress aims to expand health insurance to millions more Americans, paid in part by hefty company taxes and reduced government payments to the industry. That could spur growth once the policies are enacted and more Americans seek out insurance plans and treatments even as fees and rebates dent the sector near-term.