About Elevance Health (Anthem)
Elevance Health is the largest for-profit managed healthcare company within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (a federation of 35 US-based health insurance companies). Formerly Anthem, Inc., it now operates under the new holding company name, Elevance Health.
The company’s Medicare offerings are primarily branded as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in certain states (Source 3.2, 3.5). In addition to Medicare plans, Elevance Health offers individual, family, and Medicaid health insurance options.
Anthem Medicare Plans Available
For 2026, Anthem (Elevance Health) coverage focuses on:
- Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
- Anthem Medicare Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
- Anthem Medicare Supplement Coverage (Medigap)
- IMPORTANT: Elevance Health is generally exiting the stand-alone Medicare Part D market.
What’s New for Elevance Health Medicare for 2026? (CRITICAL UPDATES)
Exit of Stand-Alone Part D Plans: Elevance Health is generally exiting the market for stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) for 2026. Members in these plans will need to choose a new Part D plan from a different carrier or enroll in an Anthem MA plan during AEP. (source)
Medicare Advantage (MA) Footprint Contraction: The company is reducing its MA offerings in certain counties by eliminating unprofitable plans. Approx. 150,000 MA members may be affected. Members in a discontinued plan must select a new MA plan or switch to Original Medicare. (source)
Focus on HMO and D-SNP Plans: Elevance Health is prioritizing HMO and Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), likely resulting in competitive offerings in those specific product lines.(source)
Annual Notification of Unused MA Benefits: Anthem will send a mid-year notification about unused supplemental benefits from the previous year, helping members better utilize their plan features.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare is made up of Medicare Parts A (Hospital) and B (Medical).
Medicare Part A
- The Part A deductible (per benefit period) is projected to increase for 2026 to approximately $1,716 (from $1,676 in 2025).
Medicare Part B
- The Part B standard monthly premium is projected to increase for 2026 to approximately $206.50 (from $185.00 in 2025).
- The Part B annual deductible is also projected to increase for 2026 to approximately $288 (from $257 in 2025).
Note: All Original Medicare costs for 2026 are projections based on the Medicare Trustees Report until officially announced by CMS in the fall of 2025. Source for projections
Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one plan (Part A, Part B, and typically Part D) offered by private insurance companies like Anthem.
Important for 2026: If you are a current Anthem MA member, you must verify your plan is not being discontinued or that your benefits have not been substantially reduced, as the company is contracting its footprint.
Anthem MA plans generally fall into these categories:
- Anthem Medicare Advantage HMO: Requires you to use providers within the network (except in emergencies).
- Anthem Medicare Advantage PPO: Offers flexibility to see out-of-network providers for a higher cost.
Anthem Medicare Part D – Drug Plans (CRITICAL UPDATE)
The Stand-Alone Part D Plan option is being discontinued by Elevance Health.
The company will NOT be selling stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) for 2026. Prescription drug coverage from Anthem will only be available as part of an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan.
If you rely on a stand-alone Part D plan, you must choose a plan from a different carrier during AEP.
Anthem Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Medigap plans work with Original Medicare and cover costs not covered by Parts A and B.
- Note: Medigap plans are NOT affected by the discontinuation of Anthem’s stand-alone Part D plans.
The popular Medigap plan structures remain standardized for 2026:
- Plan F: Available only to those eligible for Medicare before 2020.
- Plan G: The broadest coverage for new enrollees (pays all but the Part B deductible).
- Plan N: Lower premium with required copays for some office/ER visits.
Benefits of Choosing Anthem Medicare Plans
Anthem (Elevance Health) offers supportive programs like dental, vision, hearing, and the SilverSneakers fitness program. The strategic focus on MA and D-SNP plans for 2026 suggests these plans will be the most robust segment of their offerings.
Enrolling in Anthem Medicare
- Medicare Open Enrollment (AEP): October 15 through December 7. Changes take effect January 1, 2026.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If your current Anthem Part D or MA plan is discontinued, you will qualify for an SEP to switch coverage.
- Medicare.gov is the official source for comparing 2026 plan options.
