Elevance Health

ELV

Market cap $68.8B

US managed care insurers saw a notable bump to their stock prices this week following news of higher than anticipated Medicare Advantage rates for 2027. On April 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved a net average rate increase of 2.48%, representing more than $13 billion in additional Medicare Advantage payments to plans for calendar year 2027.

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) stock surged this week after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized a 2.48% Medicare Advantage payment rate increase for 2027, coming in above the high end of the 1% to 2% improvement the market was expecting.

CMS confirmed that Medicare Advantage and Part D plans will receive a 2.48% average rate increase for 2027, according to Reuters. Officials also noted that insurers will see an additional 2.5% boost tied to changes in risk‑adjustment calculations, pushing the effective increase closer to 5%.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the 2027 Medicare Advantage payment rate at a +2.48% net average increase, well above the +0.09% proposed in January and above the roughly 1% street expectation.

Elevance Health, Inc. is rated a Buy, with valuation now compelling after significant underperformance versus the S&P 500. Despite fundamental headwinds—declining membership, higher benefit expense ratios, and muted guidance—ELV targets 12% annual adjusted EPS growth long-term. Shares are deeply discounted, trading below fair value on both P/E and price-to-sales metrics, with technicals suggesting a potential bottom.

The April 2026 Top 25 High Growth Dividend Stocks list targets quality companies trading below intrinsic value, averaging a 1.52% yield and 17.7% five-year dividend growth. Screened stocks appear ~34% undervalued by dividend yield theory, with an estimated +21% annualized long-term return potential. MSCI, WING, ZTS, INTU, and MSFT stand out for attractive valuations, robust dividend growth, and strong projected EPS growth.

Insurance stocks surged as CMS announced a 2.48% Medicare Advantage payment rate increase for 2027, reversing prior negative sentiment. SpaceX (SPACE) is set to launch its IPO roadshow the week of June 8, with unprecedented retail investor allocation and a target valuation above $2T.

Shares of health insurers rallied in premarket trading on Tuesday after the government improved the initial Medicare Advantage rate increase for next year.

Elevance Health (ELV) has an impressive earnings surprise history and currently possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely beat in its next quarterly report.

Elevance Health's decision to shakeup its top management ranks that includes two new finance officers is the latest sign it may take more time for the health insurance industry to rebound.