Sentara Ends Contract Talks with Anthem for Key Patient Groups
Sentara has ended contract negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield concerning Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act exchange patients in Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News region. This development could impact around 215,000 Anthem customers, potentially leading to increased costs or the necessity…
Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, October 6, 2026 — Sentara has concluded contract negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, a development that may affect a significant number of patients in the Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News region. The negotiations covered contracts for individuals enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, and plans offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange.
The breakdown in talks means that approximately 215,000 Anthem customers could see their healthcare coverage impacted. While specific details regarding the exact nature of the impact remain undisclosed, potential consequences for these patients include facing higher out-of-pocket costs for medical services or needing to switch to alternative healthcare providers to maintain coverage with Sentara facilities and physicians.
The Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News region is the geographic area where the contract dispute is centered. Patients enrolled in Anthem plans, particularly those utilizing Medicaid, Medicare, or ACA marketplace options, are advised to monitor communications from both Sentara and Anthem for further information regarding their specific coverage status and available options moving forward.
As of the latest information, the terms of any potential agreement or the specific reasons for the termination of negotiations have not been made public. The parties involved have not released detailed statements regarding the next steps or timeline for resolution.
Story summarized from the original created by Naomi Washington on www.wtkr.com, see more information here.
