Sentara is Putting Virginia Patients in the Middle

Sentara Health has walked away from the negotiating table because Anthem wouldn’t give in to Sentara’s unreasonable demands for a nearly 30 percent rate increase.  

Sentara is demanding premium rates to take care of vulnerable patients in Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and ACA health plans. But, when Anthem refused to let Sentara exploit this patient population, Sentara terminated negotiations, threatening to disrupt care for seniors, families, and vulnerable patients.

As a reminder, as recently as 2024, Sentara Norfolk General enjoyed a 29.5 percent profit margin – more than double the national hospital median of 14 percent.

Now, Sentara is telling those patients to consider changing their health plans if they want to keep Sentara in their network.  What they’re not telling patients is that, at least in the Hampton Roads area, Sentara’s competing health plan is the only other option available, raising serious concerns about self-dealing and anti-competitive behavior. 

Patients shouldn’t have to choose between their health coverage and their doctor.

Anthem is trying to negotiate a fair deal that preserves choice for all Virginia families, employers, and taxpayers, and protects them from higher costs. 

Tell Sentara Leadership: Come back to the table and work with Anthem on a deal that Virginia patients can afford. 

Take action today!