Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV), formerly known as Anthem, is strengthening its focus on whole-person healthcare by combining advanced analytics with personalized care navigation. The company aims to help members manage their behavioral, social, and medical needs in a more integrated and proactive way.
“Our clinical advocates help members navigate the healthcare system, leveraging real-time data analytics to identify health risks that enable our advocates to personally connect with members and help them proactively manage the medical, behavioral, and social issues impacting their health,” said Gail Boudreaux, president and CEO of Elevance, during a recent Q3 earnings call. This approach reflects Elevance’s commitment to providing whole-person healthcare, where every aspect of a member’s well-being is considered in care planning.
The Move Toward Whole-Person Healthcare
Elevance has long been interested in creating tools that support whole-person healthcare, extending beyond traditional medical treatment to include mental health and social determinants of health. In 2021, the company announced Behavioral Health Advantage (BHA), a program designed to offer 24/7 access to crisis management and navigation support. This initiative is a key part of Elevance’s strategy to integrate behavioral health into its broader care approach.
While detailed information about BHA has been limited since its initial announcement, the program underscores the company’s focus on helping members address behavioral health challenges as part of a whole-person healthcare strategy.
Elevance’s Strategy Resonates with Employers and State Partners
Elevance credits much of its growth to its integrated model. “We are pleased to report ongoing broad-based momentum across Elevance Health, a testament to our integrated and personalized whole-person healthcare approach to addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of our members and communities,” Boudreaux said. “Our focused efforts and investments in these areas are resonating with employers and state partners driving strong organic membership growth.”
By leveraging real-time analytics, Elevance can identify health risks early, enabling clinical advocates to intervene proactively. This method supports members in managing both physical and mental health needs simultaneously, a cornerstone of whole-person healthcare.
Financial Growth Reflects Strategic Success
The focus on whole-person healthcare appears to be translating into growth. Elevance reported revenue of $39.6 billion in its latest quarter, up 11.5% from the previous year. Medical enrollment increased by 2.2 million members year-over-year, including 232,000 new members in Q3 alone.
Behavioral Health: A Growing Focus Across the Industry
Elevance is part of a larger trend in which major payers are prioritizing behavioral health as part of whole-person healthcare. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) expanded its behavioral health network by 25% over the last few years, while Cigna Corp.’s (NYSE: CI) Evernorth segment more than doubled the size of its behavioral health network over the past five years.
These expansions highlight the growing recognition that behavioral health is a critical part of whole-person healthcare, benefiting members, employers, and state programs alike.
Looking Ahead
As Elevance refines its Behavioral Health Advantage program and continues to invest in analytics-driven care, the company is positioning itself as a leader in whole-person healthcare. By addressing physical, behavioral, and social needs in tandem, Elevance is demonstrating how integrated care can improve outcomes and reduce costs for both members and healthcare partners.
