Elevance Health, Inc. (formerly known as Anthem) reported strong first quarter 2026 profits of $1.8 billion and strong first quarter revenues of $50.2 billion, with both profits and revenues beating analysts’ expectations.
Elevance also reported a medical cost ratio of 86.8% for the first quarter, which was less than analysts had expected. A health insurer’s MCR represents the insurer’s spending on claims compared with its earnings from premiums. Unfortunately, the attorneys at Whatley Kallas, LLP are seeing health insurance companies deny and underpay legitimate claims submitted by our provider clients for medically necessary services. A lower MCR increases an insurer’s profits.
Based on its strong earnings. Elevance increased its earnings guidance for 2026 to at least $26.75, up from its previous guidance of $25.50.
In a press release announcing its first quarter earnings, Gail K. Boudreaux, Elevance’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Our first quarter results exceeded expectations, reflecting underlying business strength and improving claims experience.”
Elevance is the largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee, operating Blues plans in fourteen states.
Elevance’s press release announcing its first quarter results is linked here.