We want to keep you informed about our ongoing contract negotiations with Sentara Health and what they could mean for your clients.
Nothing changes today. Sentara remains in Anthem’s network, and members should continue seeing their Sentara doctors, specialists and hospitals as they normally would.
We continue putting solutions forward
Anthem recently submitted two proposals designed to move negotiations toward an agreement. Our proposals balance access to high-quality care, fair provider reimbursement, quality and better health outcomes, and healthcare affordability.
Sentara’s latest response did not move from its previous proposal. Sentara also gave Anthem until October 1 to accept its proposed rates for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and Individual health plans. Sentara has said that if Anthem does not accept those rates, it will stop negotiations on those products and begin the termination process.
October 1 is a negotiating deadline, not a date when Sentara leaves Anthem’s network. Nothing changes for members on October 1.
Why this matters to employers
Sentara continues seeking price increases of as much as 30% over the next three years for employer-sponsored and individual health plans. Higher hospital prices can affect employer healthcare spending as well as premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for employees and their families.
Sentara also has a unique position in Virginia: It operates both a major healthcare system and its own health plans that compete for employers and members. That makes competition and choice an important part of these negotiations.
Anthem has proposed payment rates that align with those of other major Virginia health systems, along with opportunities for Sentara to earn additional reimbursement through improvements in quality and patient outcomes. Our goal is to fairly reimburse Sentara while protecting access, affordability, and meaningful choices for Virginia employers and families.
What happens next
Anthem remains ready to negotiate. If an agreement is not reached, most affected Sentara physicians and specialists would leave Anthem’s Commercial network after December 31, 2026. Many Eastern Virginia Sentara facilities also have agreements expiring December 31.
Our goal has not changed: We want Sentara in our network.
For the latest information, visit anthem.com/update/Sentara or reach out to your Anthem representative with questions.