10/07/2026
🚨 YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE MAY NOT BE AS SIMPLE AS “I HAVE ANTHEM.”
We’re seeing major contract battles between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and hospital systems in multiple states — including Virginia and Ohio — and Colorado is also seeing Anthem network limitations on certain plans.
Here’s why this matters:
🏥 Virginia: Sentara Health has ended negotiations with Anthem for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and ACA Exchange plans. If a new agreement isn’t reached, affected Sentara facilities and physicians could become out-of-network for certain Anthem members beginning January 1, 2027.
🏥 Ohio: Kettering Health announced it will not renew its Anthem Medicare Advantage contract, meaning those members could lose in-network access to Kettering facilities beginning January 1, 2027.
🏥 Colorado: Certain Anthem Exchange plans already have major hospital exclusions. For example, Children’s Hospital Colorado lists several Anthem Exchange plans that it does not participate with in 2026.
💡 The bigger lesson:
Having an insurance card doesn't necessarily mean your preferred doctor, hospital or health system is in-network.
And this is becoming even more important as we head into 2027 Open Enrollment.
Before choosing or renewing a health plan, you should be asking:
✅ Is my preferred hospital in-network?
✅ Are my doctors in-network?
✅ What happens if my hospital leaves the network?
✅ Are my prescriptions covered?
✅ What will my deductible and out-of-pocket maximum be?
✅ Is the plan actually affordable — AND usable?
The cheapest premium isn't always the cheapest healthcare.
If you're in Virginia, Ohio, Colorado, or elsewhere and you're concerned about your current coverage, don't wait until you're sitting in a hospital trying to figure out your network.
I help individuals, families, self-employed professionals and small-business owners compare health plan options and understand what they're actually getting.
Jason Ruhlman | Health Plan Advisor
📱 757-632-7567
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.covercoastalva.com
