Stephen Baxter

Stephen Baxter asked for an update on the magnitude of the headwind in the LTC (Long-Term Care) business resulting from IRA changes, and BrightSpring's efforts to offset this headwind through reimbursement changes or additional fees.

Answer

Jen Phipps, Chief Financial Officer, stated that BrightSpring continues to work productively with payers to achieve an enhanced dispensing fee to mitigate the IRA's impact. She noted that the government relations team is actively ensuring understanding of the impacts on the pharmacy business, and BrightSpring's scale, platform, and operational improvements are helping to manage the situation. Jon Rousseau, Chief Executive Officer, elaborated on growth drivers for specialty and infusion, and for home and community pharmacy, emphasizing driving volume in attractive end markets like assisted living, hospice, behavioral, PACE, and skilled nursing. He mentioned adding approximately 30 sales representatives and leveraging AI and technology for efficiency in pharmacy intake and revenue cycle processes.

Stephen Baxter asked for an update on the headwind facing the LTC business due to IRA changes, inquiring about its magnitude and the company's efforts to offset it through reimbursement changes or additional fees.

Answer

Jen Phipps, CFO, stated that BrightSpring continues to work productively with payers to achieve an enhanced dispensing fee to mitigate the IRA's impact, and their government relations team is actively ensuring understanding of the impacts. She noted that the company's scale platform and operational improvements are helping for 2026. Jon Rousseau, President and CEO, clarified that outside of the IRA, one or two customer situations in home and community pharmacy will be in the rearview mirror by Q3 or Q4. He emphasized driving volume in attractive end markets (assisted living, hospice, behavioral, PACE, skilled nursing), adding 30 reps, and leveraging AI and technology for efficiency in pharmacy intake and revenue cycle.

Stephen Baxter asked about the trajectory of margins in the pharmacy business, noting sequential progress and expectations for Q4, and the opportunity for further improvement in 2026 given continuing LDD launches and generic dynamics.

Answer

CFO Jen Phipps stated that Q4 margins are expected to be higher than previous quarters, as Q4 typically has the highest margins due to continued growth and product mix, leading to a slightly higher annual margin. CEO Jon Rousseau added that enterprise-wide lean, efficiency, and operational initiatives will be helpful, along with higher margins in the Provider segment and synergies from acquisitions. He emphasized a focus on quality, payer partnerships, and efficient operations.

Stephen Baxter inquired about the sequential progress on pharmacy business margins, the expectation for continued improvement in Q4 based on guidance, and the trajectory of margins exiting this year with opportunities for further improvement in 2026, considering ongoing limited distribution drug launches and generic dynamics.

Answer

CFO Jen Phipps stated that Q4 margins are expected to be higher than previous quarters, as Q4 typically has the highest margins, driven by continued growth in different businesses and product mix. CEO Jon Rousseau added that enterprise-wide lean, efficiency, and operational initiatives, along with the growth of the higher-margin Provider segment and synergies from acquisitions, are key drivers. He emphasized a focus on efficiency, quality, and partnering with payers for enhanced rates, noting that margin is a key function of mix and intentional efforts.

Stephen Baxter sought clarification on agilon health's comments regarding the Advance Notice, specifically why their view aligns more with the Effective Growth Rate, their exposure to unlinked chart review, and how other risk model changes, including the 330 basis points normalization impact, are being addressed. He also asked for a breakdown of the $127 million medical margin bridge from payer contracts, distinguishing between percent of premium changes and reduced Part D risk, and the breadth of success in these contracting efforts.

Answer

Jeff Schwaneke (EVP and CFO, agilon health) clarified that agilon health is exposed to the normalization impact and their calculations are generally in line with the rate notice. However, they believe their ability to offset this, similar to how they managed V28 (3-3.5% per year), will lead to an effective growth rate closer to the published figure. Ron Williams (Executive Chairman, agilon health) emphasized that clinical pathways, particularly congestive heart failure, are key drivers for offsetting these impacts. For the medical margin bridge, Mr. Schwaneke stated that the majority of the $127 million is from percent of premium changes or relief from payer Star issues, which is locked-in value for 2026.

Stephen Baxter sought clarification on agilon's Advance Notice comments, specifically why their view aligns with the Effective Growth Rate, their exposure to unlinked chart review, and how other risk model changes like normalization impact are addressed. He also asked for a breakdown of the $127 million medical margin bridge from payer contracts, distinguishing between percent of premium changes and reduced Part D risk, and the breadth of success with payers.

Answer

Jeff Schwaneke (EVP and CFO, agilon health) clarified that agilon is exposed to the normalization impact but is confident in offsetting it with Burden of Illness (BOI) and clinical pathways, similar to how they managed V28. Ron Williams (Executive Chairman, agilon health) highlighted the role of clinical pathways. Jeff Schwaneke added that the majority of the $127 million medical margin improvement is from percent of premium or relief from payer Star issues, representing locked-in value.

Stephen Baxter inquired about the same-store hospital volume performance in Q4 2025, noting it appeared weaker than trend, and sought clarification on the expected improvement in hospital volumes for 2026, considering factors like exchange exposure and core performance.

Answer

Sun Park, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, explained that Q4 acuity was strong, but the respiratory season was weaker than expected. For 2026, Ms. Park attributed the anticipated volume improvement to returns from significant growth capital investments made in 2025.

Stephen Baxter asked about the level of earnings driven purely outside of MA underwriting, specifically how enterprise-accretive membership growth translates beyond MA, and how the slightly below break-even MA underwriting margins for 2026 compare between retained and new growth.

Answer

Celeste Mellett (CFO) explained that enterprise accretion includes CenterWell earnings, with significant tailwinds expected in CenterWell Pharmacy, PCO, and Home Health due to new membership. She noted that individual MA margins are expected to be just below break-even in 2026. For competitive reasons, cohort-level margin details are not provided, but she indicated that new and continuing members have largely similar margins when accounting for the Star headwind, with continuing members disproportionately impacted by the headwind and new members facing acquisition costs and potentially higher MLR due to lower MRA or unmanaged prior conditions. George Renaudin (President of Medicare and Medicaid) added that margin improvement for new members comes from MRA optimization, medical management programs, and increased paneling to value-based partners over time.

Stephen Baxter asked about the level of earnings Humana can drive purely outside of MA underwriting, given the membership growth is enterprise accretive, and how MA underwriting margins (slightly below break-even) contrast between retained and new growth.

Answer

CFO Celeste Mellett explained that 'enterprise accretive' includes CenterWell earnings, with significant tailwinds from CenterWell Pharmacy, PCO, and home health volumes due to new membership. She noted that individual MA margins are expected to be just below break-even in 2026. While not providing cohort-level data, she indicated that new and continuing members have largely similar margins due to the disproportionate impact of the Star headwind on continuing members and higher acquisition costs/MLR for new members.

Stephen Baxter asked for initial thoughts on the assumed margin for new-to-Humana sales growth for 2026, specifically if it would be comparable to the targeted 2% margin (excluding STARS headwinds) for the overall book.

Answer

Celeste Mellet, CFO, stated it's too early for 2026 guidance but noted that new member margins would depend on the contracts they are sold on, with 4- and 4.5-star contracts typically yielding higher margins. She reaffirmed the expectation for individual MA margin (excluding STARS) to double in 2026 over 2025.

Stephen Baxter sought initial thoughts on the margin assumption for new-to-Humana sales growth for 2026, specifically if it would be comparable to the 2% target (excluding Stars headwind) for the overall book.

Answer

Celeste Mellet, CFO, indicated that while it's too early for 2026 guidance, the margin for new members will be influenced by the contracts they enroll in, with 4 and 4.5 Star contracts yielding higher margins. She reiterated the expectation for individual MA margin (excluding Stars) to double in 2026 over 2025, with new sales margins expected to be relatively consistent with the overall margin.

Stephen Baxter requested specific percentages for Oscar Health's metal mix (Bronze, Silver, Gold) before and after the 2026 changes, seeking to understand the PMPM yield given the overall revenue increase. He also asked about the philosophical approach to budgeting MLR for retained versus newer-to-the-plan membership.

Answer

Mark Bertolini, Oscar Health Chief Executive Officer, provided the metal mix percentages: Bronze increased from ~25% (prior two years) to 39% (2026), Silver decreased from 71% to 36%, and Gold increased from 3-4% to 25%. R. Scott Blackley, Oscar Health Chief Financial Officer, added that a younger average member age impacts PMPM revenue. He also explained that MLR modeling differentiates between returning and new members, leveraging extensive historical data and third-party information, with estimates built on a deep understanding of how different populations will perform.

Stephen Baxter requested specific percentages for Oscar Health's metal mix (Bronze, Silver, Gold) before and after the recent shifts, seeking to understand the PMPM yield given the overall revenue guidance. He also asked about the qualitative differences in MLR guidance for retained versus newer-to-the-plan membership.

Answer

Mark Bertolini, Oscar Health Chief Executive Officer, provided the metal mix percentages: Bronze was ~25% for the prior two years, now 39% in 2026; Silver was 71%, now 36%; Gold was 3-4%, now 25%. He noted that the Bronze and Gold plans offered were $0 with less rich benefits. R. Scott Blackley, Oscar Health Chief Financial Officer, added that a younger average member (one year younger year-over-year) impacts PMPM revenue. He explained that MLR guidance incorporates historical experience for both returning and new members, with deep understanding built over two years regarding subsidy expiration and price shock, and that estimates are balanced. Mark Bertolini also noted that the increase in Risk Adjustment allowed contributes to the MLR.

Stephen Baxter asked about the moving pieces in Medicaid, specifically the incremental decline in membership (5-6% member months reduction) and whether continued disenrollment impacts acuity assumptions, and if this is factored into guidance.

Answer

CEO Sarah London confirmed that assumptions for continued attrition, consistent with 2025 trends (states tightening eligibility), known program changes (e.g., Florida CMS rolling off), and probability-weighted membership items, are all considered in guidance. CFO Drew Asher added that the 5-6% member months reduction includes ~1 point per quarter attrition, the Children's Medical Services business rolling off, RFP-related items, and ~140,000 New York Essential Plan members due to an OB3 provision.

Stephen Baxter asked for more detail on Medicaid membership decline, specifically how much incremental decline is expected beyond 2025 trends, and if continued disenrollment impacts acuity assumptions for 2026 guidance.

Answer

CEO Sarah London and CFO Drew Asher explained that the 5-6% member month reduction includes continued attrition (about 1 point per quarter), known program changes like Florida CMS rolling off 10/1, and a subset of New York Essential Plan members (140k) rolling off around 7/1 due to OB3. All acuity impacts from these shifts are considered in guidance.

Stephen Baxter asked about the Florida rate mechanics, specifically if Florida's Medicaid HBR would improve sequentially in Q4 after the Q3 true-up, or if the Q3 performance effectively reflected the year-to-date rate adjustment rather than a Q4 improvement.

Answer

CFO Drew Asher explained that the Q3 HBR was 93.4%. Adjusting for the $150 million Florida retro (60 bps, with $40 million related to prior periods), the jumping-off point is 94.0%. He expects a sequential lift from Q3 to Q4 due to the 9-1 and 10-1 rate cohort (Florida being slightly above average in that mix). This, combined with trend and a 'soft November' (fewer business days/holidays), contributes to the expectation of around 93% HBR for Q4, leading to a 93.7% full-year HBR for 2025, which they aim to maintain for 2026.

Stephen Baxter asked about the cadence of Florida's rate mechanics, specifically if Florida's performance would improve sequentially in Q4 after the Q3 true-up, and if the Q3 performance effectively reflected the rate year-to-date.

Answer

Drew Asher, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, explained that the Q3 HBR of 93.4% included the $150 million Florida revenue adjustment, with $90 million being retro to Q1/Q2. Adjusting for this, the underlying HBR was around 94.0%. He anticipates a sequential lift from Q3 to Q4, driven by the 9-1/10-1 rate cohort (including Florida's rates), contributing to an expected Q4 HBR around 93% and a full-year 2025 HBR of 93.7%.

Stephen Baxter requested an update on the size of Molina's Medicaid expansion enrollment, including both members and premiums, and asked how much of the attrition seen throughout 2025 originated from Medicaid expansion versus other program types.

Answer

President and CEO Joe Zubretsky stated that the Medicaid expansion population is approximately 1.3 million members, contributing about $8 billion to the $32 billion Medicaid premium. He projected a 15-20% loss in this population due to OB3 work requirements, but noted it represents only 25% of the total Medicaid book and operates closer to the portfolio's mean MLR. CFO Mark Keim confirmed that more people are exiting expansion due to OBB policies and population volatility, but the annual impact on the overall book is not expected to be meaningful.

Stephen Baxter asked for an update on the size of Molina's Medicaid expansion enrollment, including both members and premiums, and how much of the 2025 attrition came from Medicaid expansion versus other program types.

Answer

President and CEO Joe Zubretsky estimated the Medicaid expansion population at about 1.3 million members, representing approximately $8 billion of the $32 billion premium. He noted that while 15-20% of this population might be lost due to OB3 work requirements, this cohort operates closer to the portfolio average, mitigating acuity shift concerns. CFO Mark Keim confirmed that more people are coming out of expansion due to OB3 policies, but the impact on the overall book is not meaningful due to its size and spread over time.

Stephen Baxter sought clarification on Molina Healthcare's Medicaid outlook for next year, specifically asking if rates are expected to exceed the current 7% cost trend and whether enrollment on a same-contract basis is projected to be up, down, or stable.

Answer

CEO Joseph Zubretsky and CFO Mark Keim stated that Medicaid membership has seen a 1% decline per quarter due to more rigorous enrollment activities, leading to some acuity shift. They expressed optimism for rates to at least keep pace with, and likely slightly exceed, trend due to states' responsiveness, a full-year baseline capturing cost increases, discrete rating cells for LTSS, pharmacy, and behavioral health, and an early positive glimpse at the 1/1 rate cycle. They noted that Medicaid rates are currently 3-4% underfunded, and states are recognizing this need for adjustment.

Stephen Baxter from Wells Fargo asked if the negative pressure from Medicaid acuity shifts has now stabilized or if it's expected to continue into Q4. He also sought to understand what is enabling states to provide large rate updates so quickly given the dynamic claims environment.

Answer

CFO Mark Keim explained that some redetermination pressure carried into Q3 due to weighted average math and a couple of states extending their processes, but he does not view these as sustaining dynamics, projecting a more normalized trend for Q4. President and CEO Joe Zubretsky stated that the state rate-setting process itself hasn't changed; it always accounts for acuity shifts. The current shift is simply more dramatic and high-profile, prompting states to react accordingly within their established models.

Stephen Baxter (asked by James) inquired about the evolving GLP-1 market, including pricing, channel changes, and the introduction of oral formulations. He asked how Cardinal Health is modeling revenue and earnings for GLP-1s for the current fiscal year and in the long term.

Answer

CEO Jason Hollar noted that the contribution from oral GLP-1s is currently slow but expected to grow, though not material for the current fiscal year. He suggested that the cost to serve for oral GLP-1s might be more favorable than for injectables. He emphasized that despite significant volume growth over the past few years, GLP-1s have not been a major driver of profitability and are unlikely to become one, irrespective of the mix between oral and injectable forms. He mentioned GLP-1s contributed 6% to Q2 sales growth, with injectables' growth expected to slow, offset by oral growth.

Stephen Baxter requested a breakdown of the approximately $160-$170 million increase in the revised U.S. EBIT guidance, specifically asking for the contribution from One Oncology, any transitory costs or ramping, and the extent of any organic guidance revision within the segment.

Answer

Jim Cleary, Executive VP and CFO, Cencora, stated that the U.S. guidance increase from 9%-11% to 14%-16% is largely driven by One Oncology and continued strong U.S. Healthcare Solutions performance. He noted that One Oncology's contribution primarily impacts the last eight months of the fiscal year and includes some below-the-line benefits: approximately $30 million in other income from a joint venture and a non-controlling loss add-back related to UUG, which largely offsets non-controlling income from ProPharma.

Stephen Baxter sought a breakdown of the approximately $160 million to $170 million increase in the revised U.S. EBIT guidance, asking for the contribution from OneOncology, any transitory costs or ramping effects, and whether there was any organic guidance revision within this segment.

Answer

Jim Cleary, Executive Vice President and CFO, stated that the U.S. guidance increase from 9-11% to 14-16% is primarily driven by the OneOncology acquisition and continued strong performance in the U.S. Healthcare Solutions segment. He reiterated that the core business, excluding RCA and OneOncology, is performing at the higher end or within the long-term guidance range. Cleary also detailed below-the-line benefits from OneOncology, including an expected $30 million in other income and loss for FY26 from a joint venture, and a largely offsetting non-controlling loss add-back related to UUG subsidiaries.

Steve Baxter asked for more details on the pause in Texas Medicaid supplemental payments (ATLAS program), what conditions are needed for its reinstatement in 2026, and its year-over-year financial impact.

Answer

CEO Sam Hazen explained that the ATLAS program was paused, not terminated, by the new executive commissioner for review, and HCA is encouraged by the willingness to consider reinstatement. CFO Mike Marks clarified that this Texas pause accounts for approximately one-third of the $250 million-$450 million expected decline in net benefit from state supplemental payments for 2026. The other two-thirds are attributed to a retro payment from Virginia in Q4 2025 and changes in Tennessee's program benefit quarters.

Stephen Baxter asked for more details on the pause in Texas Medicaid supplemental payments (ATLIS program), what is needed for its reinstatement in 2026, and its year-over-year impact.

Answer

CFO Mike Marks explained that the ATLIS program was paused after a termination notice from a departing commissioner, but the new executive commissioner has agreed to review it, effectively pausing rather than terminating. He noted the timeline for review is unknown but HCA is encouraged. From a sizing perspective, this Texas pause accounts for about one-third of the $250 million-$450 million expected decline in net benefit from state supplemental payments in 2026, with the other two-thirds coming from a retro payment from Virginia in Q4 2025 and Tennessee's program reverting to four quarters of benefit in 2026 versus six in 2025.

Stephen Baxter inquired about HCA's confidence in achieving its long-term volume range for 2026, considering potential flat/down exchange volumes and other moving parts like Medicaid/self-pay growth.

Answer

CEO Sam Hazen expressed confidence based on 18 consecutive quarters of volume growth, more capital coming online, growing ambulatory outreach, and new physician relationships. He noted that population growth in many markets and diversification across the company support the demand equation, with exchanges being a small component.

Stephen Baxter with Wells Fargo inquired about HCA's confidence in achieving its long-term volume range for 2026, considering the impact of exchange growth and potential for Medicaid or self-pay growth.

Answer

CEO Sam Hazen expressed confidence based on 18 consecutive quarters of volume growth, increased capital coming online, growing ambulatory outreach, and new physician relationships. He noted that population growth in many markets and the diversification of HCA's demand equation support the long-term range.

Steven Baxter asked about the Medicaid business, specifically regarding the rate relief received and how 2026 rates compare to 2025. He also inquired if the margin assumption for the Medicaid business in 2026 has been revisited, given potentially better rates and no material impact from work requirements.

Answer

Tim Noel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, stated that the 2026 outlook for the Medicaid business remains unchanged, expecting margin contraction due to rates (projected 6-7% aggregate increase) remaining below medical trend. He confirmed that January 1st rates were in line with expectations.

Stephen Baxter requested additional color on the expected Medicare Advantage membership declines in 2026, specifically the breakdown between individual, duals, and group segments. He also asked if the company agrees with CMS's flat enrollment growth expectation for 2025 and about the outlook for industry growth in 2027 and beyond.

Answer

Stephen Hemsley (Chairman and CEO, UnitedHealth Group) directed the question to Bobby Hunter (CEO of Government Programs, UnitedHealth Group). Bobby Hunter clarified that the approximately 1 million Medicare Advantage membership contraction for 2026 includes both group and individual. He noted that 600,000 members are impacted by product exits, with the remaining balance split between pressure in group MA due to disciplined pricing and aggressive competitor actions, and individual MA. He expects 2026 industry growth to be more in line with 2025 due to benefit cuts, plan closures, and broker disruption, but believes in long-term MA growth beyond these levels, emphasizing the need for program stability.

Stephen Baxter requested additional details on the expected 2026 Medicare Advantage membership declines, specifically the breakdown across individual, duals, and group segments. He also asked for the company's view on industry-level MA enrollment growth for 2025 and projections for 2027 and beyond.

Answer

Bobby Hunter, CEO of Government Programs, UnitedHealth Group, explained that the approximately 1 million MA membership contraction for 2026 includes both group and individual, with 600,000 from product exits. The remaining balance is split between group MA pressure due to disciplined pricing and aggressive competitor actions, and individual MA. He expects 2026 industry growth to be flat, similar to 2025, but believes in long-term MA growth beyond those levels, emphasizing the need for program stability.

Asked for clarification on the new 5% long-term target margin for the value-based care business, inquiring what the old target was and what the key drivers are to get back to that 5% level beyond 2026.

Answer

Patrick Conway explained that the main driver for margin recovery is the maturation of patient cohorts. New cohorts (years 1-2) have negative margins, while mature cohorts (year 5+) operate at 8%+ margins. As the portfolio mix shifts towards more mature cohorts, the overall margin will rise to the 5% range. John Rex added that the new target is more circumspect about the time and investment required to bring practices to full performance, reflecting a long-term growth and investment strategy.

Stephen Baxter followed up on the network decisions and gains, seeking clarification on whether the gain was separate from market decisions and if it was included in the $51 million figure provided.

Answer

Britt Vitalone, CFO, clarified that the gains from the equity investment and the market decisions together represent the $51 million figure.

Stephen Baxter sought clarification on the economic impact of the US Oncology network decisions and gains, specifically asking if the gain related to an equity investment was included within the $51 million figure previously mentioned.

Answer

Britt Vitalone, Chief Financial Officer, clarified that the $51 million figure encompasses both the gains from market decisions and the realization of an equity investment.

Stephen Baxter of Wells Fargo asked for clarification on the drivers behind the significant year-over-year decline in SG&A expenses and the slower gross profit growth observed in the quarter.

Answer

CFO Britt Vitalone explained that the primary driver for the SG&A decline was the divestiture of the Canadian Rexall and Well.ca retail businesses. He attributed the slower gross profit growth to a combination of business mix and the impact of those same divestitures, while highlighting the company's overall success in generating operating leverage.

Stephen Baxter sought clarification on the core upside not included in guidance from previous quarters, asking if a similar amount existed in Q3 2025 after excluding specific items. He also asked for confirmation on whether the projected mid-teens EPS growth for 2026 is calculated after adjusting the 2025 baseline by $0.45.

Answer

Brian Newman, CFO, clarified that the mid-teens EPS growth for 2026 should be calculated by taking the midpoint of the 2025 guidance ($6.60), backing off the $0.45 adjustment, and then applying the growth rate. He explained that the $0.45 adjustment accounted for a combination of net positives and negatives from out-of-period risk and revenue adjustments, totaling about $900 million from the first half, minus $150 million from provider settlements.

Stephen Baxter asked for an update on where Medicare Advantage margins finished for the full year 2024, what margin level is assumed in the 2025 guidance, and the expected progression of MA margin recovery beyond 2025.

Answer

CFO Tom Cowhey stated that 2024 Medicare Advantage margins ended in the negative 4.5% to 5% range. He confirmed that while margins are expected to improve in 2025, the business will remain loss-making in the current outlook. Executive Steve Nelson added his commitment to returning the business to target margins over a multiyear period, citing early progress in forecasting, pricing discipline, and operational execution.

Stephen Baxter asked for more detail on the change in surgical trends, specifically the shift from slightly down to slightly up, where the improvement is coming from, and if there's any evidence of pull-forward demand from exchange patients anticipating coverage loss.

Answer

CFO Steve Filton stated that surgical volume improvement is relatively across the board, with cardiology and cardiac services being particularly strong. He indicated no significant pull-through impact from exchange patients, as their utilization behavior tends to mirror the Medicaid population, being more emergency room-centric rather than elective cases.

Stephen Baxter asked for more elaboration on the change in surgical trends, specifically the shift from slightly down last quarter to slightly up this quarter, and where the improvement is coming from. He also inquired if there was any evidence of 'pull forward' care, such as from exchange patients, due to concerns about potential coverage loss.

Answer

CFO Steve Filton stated that surgical improvement was relatively across the board, with cardiology and cardiac services showing particular strength. He does not believe there is a significant 'pull-through' impact from exchange patients accelerating care, as their utilization behavior tends to mirror Medicaid (emergency room-centric rather than elective cases).

Stephen Baxter inquired about the several hundred million dollars of investment spending flagged for 2026, asking about its materiality, whether it is transitory, and its influence on the ability to grow earnings in 2027.

Answer

Mark Kaye (CFO and EVP, Elevance Health) quantified discrete investments for 2026 at approximately $1 of EPS, focusing on technology adoption (AI in clinical workflows, automation), Carelon investments (scaling client onboarding, pharmacy capabilities), and operational/quality initiatives (STAR ratings, member engagement). Gail Boudreaux (President and CEO, Elevance Health) emphasized AI as a strategic enabler, detailing its use for members (Sydney's personalized match), customer service (first contact resolution), and providers (Health OS reducing prior authorizations and denials). She stated these are front-loaded investments expected to create leverage and support long-term growth.

Stephen Baxter inquired about the materiality and transitory nature of the 'several hundred million dollars' in investment spending flagged for 2026, particularly its influence on 2027 earnings growth.

Answer

Mark Kaye, CFO, quantified the investment as approximately $1 of EPS, focusing on technology adoption (AI, automation), Carelon expansion (client onboarding, pharmacy capabilities), and operational/quality initiatives (STAR ratings, member engagement). Gail Boudreaux, President and CEO, elaborated on strategic AI investments across member services, provider platforms (HealthOS), and internal operations, emphasizing their front-loaded nature to drive long-term leverage and affordability.

Stephen Baxter of Wells Fargo followed up on Medicaid, questioning why it was cited as a driver for a higher year-over-year MLR in 2025, which seemed to contrast with previous expectations for stability. He asked for the specific full-year Medicaid MLR change embedded in the guidance.

Answer

CFO Mark Kaye clarified that while Q4 Medicaid cost trends stabilized, they remain at elevated levels. He anticipates these higher trends, particularly in behavioral health and inpatient care, will persist into the first half of 2025. Since current state rates have not yet fully caught up to these costs, the company is maintaining a prudent outlook, expecting a margin rebound in the second half of the year as incremental rate adjustments are implemented.