Elevance Health shares drop amid Medicare payment concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jul 19 2024
0mins
Should l Buy ELV?
Elevance Health Inc. shares fell 6.72% and hit a 5-day low as major health insurers reacted negatively to recent Medicare payment policy updates.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a mere 0.09% payment growth for Medicare Advantage in 2027, which translates to over $700 million in additional payments. This announcement has led to significant declines in shares of major health insurers, including Elevance Health, reflecting market unease regarding future profitability in the sector. The proposed updates to the risk adjustment model and drug plan adjustments further exacerbate concerns about operational strategies for insurers.
The implications of these developments suggest a challenging environment for Elevance Health and its peers, as the proposed payment increases are seen as insufficient to support profitability. Investors may need to reassess their positions in light of these policy changes.
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Analyst Views on ELV
Wall Street analysts forecast ELV stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 280.740
Low
332.00
Averages
389.07
High
425.00
Current: 280.740
Low
332.00
Averages
389.07
High
425.00
About ELV
Elevance Health, Inc. is a health company. It operates as a health insurer in the United States. The Company operates through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services and Corporate & Other. The Health Benefits segment offers a comprehensive suite of health plans and services to its Individual, Employer Group risk-based, Employer Group fee-based, BlueCard, Medicare, Medicaid and Federal Employee Program (FEP) members. The Health Benefits segment also offers health products on a full-risk basis. The CarelonRx segment includes its pharmacy services business. CarelonRx markets and offers pharmacy services to its affiliated health plan customers, as well as to external customers outside of the health plans. The Carelon Services segment integrates physical, behavioral, pharmacy, and social services by offering an array of healthcare-related services and capabilities to internal and external customers through its Carelon Health and Carelon Insights businesses.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Elevance Health Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Elevance Health investors regarding potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by the company and its executives, highlighting serious concerns about corporate governance.
- Regulatory Sanction Notice: On March 2, 2026, Elevance disclosed that CMS intends to impose intermediate sanctions suspending enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries into its MA-PD plans, indicating significant compliance issues within the company.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the sanction news, Elevance's stock price fell by $25.93, or 8.1%, closing at $294.07 per share on March 2, 2026, reflecting market concerns about the company's future outlook.
- Compliance Risks: CMS indicated that the sanctions relate to Elevance's noncompliance with Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data submission requirements prior to April 3, 2023, which could have profound implications for the company's operations if not resolved by March 31, 2026.
See More
Centene Ranks as the Lowest Performing Stock in the S&P 500 Today: Here's the Reason.
- Stock Performance: Centene's stock has underperformed compared to the broader market this year, reflecting challenges faced by health insurers and managed-care companies.
- Regulatory Concerns: The company is navigating a changing regulatory environment, which has raised concerns among investors.
- Business Update Impact: A recent business update from Centene has heightened investor anxiety regarding the company's future prospects.
- Market Context: The struggles of Centene are indicative of broader issues within the health insurance sector amid evolving regulations.
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Insider Buying Activity in SLRC and ELV
- SLRC Insider Purchase: Michael S. Gross acquired 104,819 shares of SLRC on Wednesday at $14.74 each, totaling an investment of $1.55 million, marking his first purchase in the past twelve months, indicating confidence in the company's future.
- Market Price Comparison: On Friday, SLRC shares traded as low as $14.34, which is 2.7% below Gross's purchase price, reflecting short-term market volatility that may influence investor buying decisions.
- ELV Insider Purchase: Elevance Health's Director Steven H. Collis bought 3,000 shares on Thursday at $289.84 each, totaling $869,520, signaling executive optimism regarding the company's prospects.
- ELV Market Price Dynamics: On Friday, ELV shares traded as low as $281.50, which is 2.9% lower than Collis's purchase price, indicating market reactions that could affect other investors' confidence.
See More
Elevance Health Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating on behalf of Elevance Health investors regarding potential securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, with investors encouraged to contact Danielle Peyton to join the class action.
- CMS Sanction Notification: On March 2, 2026, Elevance disclosed that it was notified by CMS of intent to impose intermediate sanctions, suspending enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries into its Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug plans and certain communication activities.
- Compliance Issues: CMS indicated that the sanctions relate to Elevance's alleged noncompliance with Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data submission requirements prior to April 3, 2023, with sanctions set to take effect on March 31, 2026, unless satisfactorily addressed.
- Stock Price Decline: Following this news, Elevance's stock price fell by $25.93, or 8.1%, closing at $294.07 per share on March 2, 2026, reflecting market concerns over the company's compliance capabilities.
See More
Eli Lilly Launches New Program to Enhance Obesity Drug Coverage
- Program Launch: Eli Lilly has introduced the 'Employer Connect' platform aimed at helping more employers cover obesity drugs, addressing a major barrier to patient access and expected to enhance employee drug accessibility.
- Price Transparency: Through this platform, employers can purchase a multi-dose form of Zepbound at a net discounted price of $449 per month, avoiding traditional rebate models, thereby providing clearer visibility on drug pricing for employers.
- Flexible Benefits Design: Employers can choose from 15 different third-party administrators to design benefits tailored to their budget and workforce needs, offering comprehensive obesity management services including telehealth, nutrition, and lifestyle support.
- Government Insurance Coverage: Under landmark deals with President Trump, Medicare will cover obesity drugs for the first time, which is expected to further expand drug accessibility and benefit more patients.
See More
Elevance Health Partners with National Diaper Bank Network
- Program Background: Elevance Health has partnered with the National Diaper Bank Network to launch a 12-month pilot program aimed at providing diapers to 9,000 families, alleviating financial strain while improving maternal and child health outcomes.
- Coverage Scope: The initiative will distribute free diapers to up to 75 families per month at Welcome Rooms in 10 communities across the U.S., potentially reaching 9,000 families by 2026, directly addressing community needs.
- Research Evaluation: The National Diaper Bank Network will conduct research to examine the relationship between diaper access and key maternal and child health indicators, focusing on caregiver stress, access to preventive care, and connections to family support services to inform future investments.
- Strategic Significance: Elevance Health's Chief Growth Officer emphasized that this partnership not only alleviates financial burdens for families but also promotes maternal and child health by addressing basic needs, reflecting the company's commitment to community health.
See More
Elevance Health Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of Elevance Health investors regarding potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices by the company and its executives, highlighting serious concerns about corporate governance.
- Regulatory Sanction Notice: On March 2, 2026, Elevance disclosed that CMS intends to impose intermediate sanctions suspending enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries into its MA-PD plans, indicating significant compliance issues within the company.
- Stock Price Decline: Following the sanction news, Elevance's stock price fell by $25.93, or 8.1%, closing at $294.07 per share on March 2, 2026, reflecting market concerns about the company's future outlook.
- Compliance Risks: CMS indicated that the sanctions relate to Elevance's noncompliance with Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data submission requirements prior to April 3, 2023, which could have profound implications for the company's operations if not resolved by March 31, 2026.
See More
Centene Ranks as the Lowest Performing Stock in the S&P 500 Today: Here's the Reason.
- Stock Performance: Centene's stock has underperformed compared to the broader market this year, reflecting challenges faced by health insurers and managed-care companies.
- Regulatory Concerns: The company is navigating a changing regulatory environment, which has raised concerns among investors.
- Business Update Impact: A recent business update from Centene has heightened investor anxiety regarding the company's future prospects.
- Market Context: The struggles of Centene are indicative of broader issues within the health insurance sector amid evolving regulations.
See More
Insider Buying Activity in SLRC and ELV
- SLRC Insider Purchase: Michael S. Gross acquired 104,819 shares of SLRC on Wednesday at $14.74 each, totaling an investment of $1.55 million, marking his first purchase in the past twelve months, indicating confidence in the company's future.
- Market Price Comparison: On Friday, SLRC shares traded as low as $14.34, which is 2.7% below Gross's purchase price, reflecting short-term market volatility that may influence investor buying decisions.
- ELV Insider Purchase: Elevance Health's Director Steven H. Collis bought 3,000 shares on Thursday at $289.84 each, totaling $869,520, signaling executive optimism regarding the company's prospects.
- ELV Market Price Dynamics: On Friday, ELV shares traded as low as $281.50, which is 2.9% lower than Collis's purchase price, indicating market reactions that could affect other investors' confidence.
See More
Elevance Health Under Investigation for Securities Fraud
- Investigation Launched: Pomerantz LLP is investigating on behalf of Elevance Health investors regarding potential securities fraud or other unlawful business practices, with investors encouraged to contact Danielle Peyton to join the class action.
- CMS Sanction Notification: On March 2, 2026, Elevance disclosed that it was notified by CMS of intent to impose intermediate sanctions, suspending enrollment of Medicare beneficiaries into its Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug plans and certain communication activities.
- Compliance Issues: CMS indicated that the sanctions relate to Elevance's alleged noncompliance with Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data submission requirements prior to April 3, 2023, with sanctions set to take effect on March 31, 2026, unless satisfactorily addressed.
- Stock Price Decline: Following this news, Elevance's stock price fell by $25.93, or 8.1%, closing at $294.07 per share on March 2, 2026, reflecting market concerns over the company's compliance capabilities.
See More
Eli Lilly Launches New Program to Enhance Obesity Drug Coverage
- Program Launch: Eli Lilly has introduced the 'Employer Connect' platform aimed at helping more employers cover obesity drugs, addressing a major barrier to patient access and expected to enhance employee drug accessibility.
- Price Transparency: Through this platform, employers can purchase a multi-dose form of Zepbound at a net discounted price of $449 per month, avoiding traditional rebate models, thereby providing clearer visibility on drug pricing for employers.
- Flexible Benefits Design: Employers can choose from 15 different third-party administrators to design benefits tailored to their budget and workforce needs, offering comprehensive obesity management services including telehealth, nutrition, and lifestyle support.
- Government Insurance Coverage: Under landmark deals with President Trump, Medicare will cover obesity drugs for the first time, which is expected to further expand drug accessibility and benefit more patients.
See More
Elevance Health Partners with National Diaper Bank Network
- Program Background: Elevance Health has partnered with the National Diaper Bank Network to launch a 12-month pilot program aimed at providing diapers to 9,000 families, alleviating financial strain while improving maternal and child health outcomes.
- Coverage Scope: The initiative will distribute free diapers to up to 75 families per month at Welcome Rooms in 10 communities across the U.S., potentially reaching 9,000 families by 2026, directly addressing community needs.
- Research Evaluation: The National Diaper Bank Network will conduct research to examine the relationship between diaper access and key maternal and child health indicators, focusing on caregiver stress, access to preventive care, and connections to family support services to inform future investments.
- Strategic Significance: Elevance Health's Chief Growth Officer emphasized that this partnership not only alleviates financial burdens for families but also promotes maternal and child health by addressing basic needs, reflecting the company's commitment to community health.
See More
