CMS freezes enrollment in Elevance Medicare Advantage-Part D plans

CMS has frozen enrollment in Elevance Health’s Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plans due to alleged violations of federal compliance rules, effective immediately. The action targets Elevance’s failure to meet risk adjustment and data submission requirements, which are critical for accurate payment and beneficiary risk assessment. This marks the first major enforcement action under CMS’s 2026 oversight policies, signaling stricter scrutiny of Medicare Advantage insurers. Elevance, one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers, now faces potential financial penalties and operational disruptions until compliance is restored. The freeze impacts new enrollees but does not affect current members, though CMS warns of further penalties if issues persist.