** Shares of U.S. health insurers rise after a poll by health-research firm KFF finds about 78% of respondents, across political parties, want Congress to extend premium tax credits for plans under Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare

** Shares of UnitedHealth UNH.N up 2.2% at $361.61, Humana HUM.N up 6.8% at $274.1, Elevance ELV.N up at 4.4% at $355.09, Centene CNC.N up 3.4% at $38.08 and Cigna CI.N up ~6% at $313.91

** "Perhaps it (the poll) is giving MCO investors hope that the federal subsidies may be extended, which would help with a headwind that is threatening results starting in 2026 in that key end-market," says Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback

** About 92% Democrats, 82% independents and 59% Republicans, who participated in the poll, said they want Congress to extend the tax credits - KFF

** The premium tax credit helps individuals afford health insurance by providing financial assistance to those without access to subsidized coverage

** Including session gains, UNH down ~29%, HUM up 8%, ELV down ~4%, CNC down 37%, CI down ~4% YTD

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru)

((Mariam.ESunny@thomsonreuters.com;))