--- ticker: CNC company: Centene Corporation filing_type: 10-K year_current: 2026 year_prior: 2025 risks_added: 0 risks_removed: 1 risks_modified: 6 risks_unchanged: 28 source: SEC EDGAR url: https://riskdiff.com/cnc/2026-vs-2025/ markdown_url: https://riskdiff.com/cnc/2026-vs-2025/index.md generated: 2026-05-11 --- # Centene Corporation: 10-K Risk Factor Changes 2026 vs 2025 > Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (EDGAR) > Generated: 2026-05-11 > All data extracted directly from official filings. No hallucinated content. > **[AI-Generated Summary]** The paragraph below was produced by a language > model and may contain errors. All other content on this page is deterministically > extracted from the original SEC filing. > Centene removed one risk factor regarding expiration of enhanced advance premium tax credits for Marketplace members, suggesting reduced near-term concern about that specific policy change. The company substantively modified six risk factors, with notable revisions to disclosures covering tax legislation challenges, government healthcare program funding and eligibility changes, and product pricing and demand forecasting, indicating evolving focus areas for operational and regulatory risks. The vast majority of risk factors - 28 of 35 total - remained unchanged, reflecting continuity in Centene's core risk profile across the filing period. --- ## Summary | Status | Count | |--------|-------| | New risks added | 0 | | Risks removed | 1 | | Risks modified | 6 | | Unchanged | 28 | --- ## No Match in Current: If eligibility for the enhanced advance premium tax credit for Marketplace members expires without renewal or the eligibility for the credit is modified or delayed, our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. *This section from the 2025 filing does not have a high-confidence textual match in 2026. It may have been removed, merged, or substantially reworded.* In August 2022, the U.S. federal government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, which, among other things, extended eligibility for the enhanced advance premium tax credit for Marketplace members. This enhanced credit expires on December 31, 2025, and if it is not renewed or extended, or if eligibility for this enhanced credit is limited, or if such renewal or extension is delayed, it could materially adversely impact our Marketplace membership. Submissions of the product design and pricing for the Marketplace product for the following calendar year is generally due to our state regulators in the summer. If the modifications or renewal of the credit is not known at that time, we may not be able to price our products appropriately or be able to change our product pricing or strategy in response to such modifications, which could materially adversely impact our Marketplace membership, financial condition and cash flows. --- ## Modified: We might be adversely impacted by tax legislation or challenges to our tax positions. **Key changes:** - Reworded sentence: "For example, on November 14, 2025, CMS issued guidance to implement the OBBBA's requirement that states can no longer impose higher tax rates on Medicaid MCOs than commercial insurance by the end of the fiscal year ending in 2026." **Prior (2025):** We are subject to the tax laws in the U.S. at the federal, state and local government levels and to the tax laws of other jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws might change in ways that adversely affect our tax positions, effective tax rate and cash flow. We are subject to tax examinations in various jurisdictions that might assess additional tax liabilities against us. Our tax reporting positions might be challenged by relevant tax authorities, we might incur significant expense in our efforts to defend those challenges and we might be unsuccessful in those efforts. Developments in examinations and challenges might materially change our provision for taxes in the affected periods and might differ materially from our historical tax accruals. Any of these risks might have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. **Current (2026):** We are subject to the tax laws in the U.S. at the federal, state and local government levels and to the tax laws of other jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws might change in ways that adversely affect our tax positions, effective tax rate and cash flow. For example, on November 14, 2025, CMS issued guidance to implement the OBBBA's requirement that states can no longer impose higher tax rates on Medicaid MCOs than commercial insurance by the end of the fiscal year ending in 2026. If the states increase the tax rates applicable to our Marketplace line of business during 2026, we cannot offset those increases by increasing premiums, as our Marketplace rates were approved and determined in 2025, which could have a material impact on the profitability of our Marketplace products, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We are also subject to tax examinations in various jurisdictions that might assess additional tax liabilities against us. Our tax reporting positions might be challenged by relevant tax authorities, we might incur significant expense in our efforts to defend those challenges and we might be unsuccessful in those efforts. Developments in examinations and challenges might materially change our provision for taxes in the affected periods and might differ materially from our historical tax accruals. Any of these risks might have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. --- ## Modified: Reductions or delays in funding of, changes to eligibility requirements for, government-sponsored healthcare programs in which we participate, and any inability on our part to effectively adapt to changes to these programs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. **Key changes:** - Reworded sentence: "In some cases, states may decide to reduce reimbursement or reduce benefits." - Added sentence: "The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2025." - Added sentence: "The Final Rule makes changes to policies to strengthen program integrity measures in the Marketplace." - Added sentence: "For example, the Special Enrollment Period for those under 150% of the FPL has been repealed beginning August 25, 2025." - Added sentence: "Several of the provisions of the Final Rule have been stayed due to ongoing litigation." **Prior (2025):** The majority of our revenues come from government subsidized healthcare programs including Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, LTSS, ABD, Foster Care and Health Insurance Marketplace premiums. Changes in these programs, including due to executive orders or other regulatory actions from the current political administration, could change the number of persons enrolled in or eligible for these programs, reduce funding, delay funding and increase our administrative and healthcare costs under these programs. For example, due to the declaration of the end of the PHE and the subsequent expiration of the eligibility determination waivers, the resumption of the Medicaid eligibility redeterminations significantly reduced our membership in our Medicaid programs, and we did not fully offset the loss of this membership by increased enrollment in our Health Insurance Marketplace products. In addition, as a result of the expiration of the PHE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting Medicaid redeterminations process, we have experienced a higher HBR related to the remaining members, due to the acuity profile of this membership, as well as the gaps in eligibility for certain members who have rejoined the Medicaid plans. While we continue to work with our state partners to match rates to acuity post-redeterminations, such rate adjustments may be delayed or insufficient to offset the increased acuity. In addition, states may decide to reduce reimbursement or reduce benefits. If any state in which we operate were to decrease premiums paid to us or pay us less than the amount necessary to keep pace with our cost trends, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Payments from government payors may be delayed in the future, which, if extended for any significant period of time, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or liquidity. In addition, delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain or maintain, governmental approvals, or moratoria imposed by regulatory authorities, could adversely affect our revenues or membership, increase costs or adversely affect our ability to bring new products to market as forecasted. Other changes to our government programs could affect our willingness or ability to participate in any of these programs or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Under most of these programs, the base premium rate paid for each program differs, depending on a combination of factors such as defined upper payment limits, a member's health status, age, gender, county or region and benefit mix. Since Medicaid was created in 1965, the federal government and states have shared the costs for this program, with the federal government share currently averaging approximately 60%. We are therefore exposed to risks associated with federal and state government contracting or participating in programs involving a government payor, including but not limited to the general ability of the federal and/or state governments to terminate or modify contracts with them, in whole or in part, without prior notice, for convenience or for default based on performance; potential regulatory or legislative action that may materially modify amounts owed; our dependence upon Congressional or legislative appropriation and allotment of funds and the impact that delays in government payments could have on our operating cash flow and liquidity; responses to pandemics, resurgences and new emergent diseases and other regulatory, legislative or judicial actions that may have an impact on the operations of government subsidized healthcare programs including ongoing litigation involving the ACA. 28 28 28 Table of Contents Table of Contents Future levels of funding and premium rates may be affected by continuing government efforts to contain healthcare costs and may further be affected by state and federal budgetary constraints and spending initiatives or changes in political party or administrations at the state and federal level. Governments periodically consider reducing or reallocating the amount of money they spend for Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, LTSS, ABD and Foster Care. Additionally, as a result of the CMS Medicare Advantage 2025 rate actions, combined with our quality scores, we have established a premium deficiency reserve in connection with the 2025 Medicare Advantage business as of December 31, 2024. Furthermore, Medicare remains subject to the automatic spending reductions imposed by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (sequestration), subject to a 2% cap, which was extended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 through 2029, which was reinstated on July 1, 2022, after a temporary suspension due to the COVID pandemic. Additional changes to the funding or eligibility criteria for these programs could materially impact our membership, revenues, financial condition and cash flows. The IRA enacts significant changes to the Medicare Part D program beginning on January 1, 2025. These changes create additional uncertainty for 2025 Medicare Part D bids, including their profitability and the competitive market landscape. If our future Part D premium bids are not profitable or below the CMS benchmarks or competitors price their products with significantly lower premiums, membership, revenue and profitability of this product could be materially reduced, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial conditions. Further, changes in the Medicare Part D program could impact membership and cause the timing of our cash flows to be impacted, which in turn could impact the timing and level of interest income. In addition, new CMS regulations will require beneficiaries dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid to receive integrated care through Medicare Advantage D-SNPs beginning in 2030, with restrictions beginning in 2027, which may restrict our product offerings in some geographic service areas. In addition, adverse economic conditions may put pressures on state budgets as tax and other state revenues decrease while the population that is eligible to participate in these programs remains steady or increases, creating more need for funding. We anticipate this will require government agencies to find funding alternatives, which may result in reductions or delays in funding for programs, contraction of covered benefits and limited or no premium rate increases or premium rate decreases. A reduction (or less than expected increase), a protracted delay or a change in allocation methodology in government funding for these programs, as well as termination of one or more contracts for the convenience of the government, may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Also, if legislation increasing the federal debt ceiling is not enacted and the debt ceiling is reached, the federal government may stop or delay making payments on its obligations. In addition, if another federal government shutdown were to occur for a prolonged period of time, federal government payment obligations, including its obligations under Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, CHIP, LTSS, ABD, Foster Care and the Health Insurance Marketplace, may be delayed. Similarly, if state government shutdowns were to occur, state payment obligations may be delayed. If the federal or state governments fail to make payments under these programs on a timely basis, our business could suffer, and our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows may be materially affected. **Current (2026):** The majority of our revenues come from government subsidized healthcare programs including Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, LTSS, ABD, Foster Care and Health Insurance Marketplace premiums. Changes in these programs, including due to executive orders or other regulatory actions from the current political administration, could change the number of persons enrolled in or eligible for these programs, reduce funding, delay funding and increase our administrative and healthcare costs under these programs. For example, due to the declaration of the end of the PHE and the subsequent expiration of the eligibility determination waivers, the resumption of the Medicaid eligibility redeterminations significantly reduced our membership in our Medicaid programs, and we did not fully offset the loss of this membership by increased enrollment in our Health Insurance Marketplace products. In addition, as a result of the expiration of the PHE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting Medicaid redeterminations process, we have experienced a higher HBR related to the remaining members, due to the acuity profile of this membership, as well as the gaps in eligibility for certain members who have rejoined the Medicaid plans. While we continue to work with our state partners to match rates to acuity post-redeterminations, such rate adjustments may be delayed or insufficient to offset the increased acuity. In some cases, states may decide to reduce reimbursement or reduce benefits. If any state in which we operate were to decrease premiums paid to us or pay us less than the amount necessary to keep pace with our cost trends, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2025. The Final Rule makes changes to policies to strengthen program integrity measures in the Marketplace. For example, the Special Enrollment Period for those under 150% of the FPL has been repealed beginning August 25, 2025. Several of the provisions of the Final Rule have been stayed due to ongoing litigation. These include a requirement for certain consumers who automatically re-enroll into a fully subsidized Marketplace plan to be re-enrolled into the same plan with a $5 premium until the consumer updates their exchange application to confirm APTC eligibility. Additionally, exchanges may no longer accept a consumer's self-attestation of projected annual household income when the IRS cannot verify it due to lack of tax return data; rather, exchanges must verify household income using other trusted data sources. 29 29 29 Table of Contents Table of Contents Extended eligibility for the Enhanced APTC for Marketplace members expired on December 31, 2025. In July 2025, the OBBBA placed additional restrictions on APTC requirements. For example, beginning January 1, 2026, should individuals mis-estimate their projected income, the OBBBA requires them to reimburse the IRS for the full amount of excess tax credit received. In addition, as of January 1, 2026, the OBBBA prohibits individuals from receiving APTCs if they enroll in health coverage through a Special Enrollment Period associated with their income. We anticipate that the combined effect of the expiration of the Enhanced APTCs, the Final Rule, and the OBBBA will reduce 2026 Marketplace membership and continue to increase the overall morbidity of the Marketplace population. Payments from government payors may be delayed in the future, which, if extended for any significant period of time, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or liquidity. For example, we have a receivable due to us from CMS for Part D risk-sharing programs attributable to the 2025 plan year that we expect to be paid by CMS within a year after the plan year closes. If the payments from CMS are delayed, our cash flows may be materially adversely affected. In addition, delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain or maintain, governmental approvals, or moratoria imposed by regulatory authorities, could adversely affect our revenues or membership, increase costs or adversely affect our ability to bring new products to market as forecasted. Other changes to our government programs could affect our willingness or ability to participate in any of these programs or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Under most of these programs, the base premium rate paid for each program differs, depending on a combination of factors such as defined upper payment limits, a member's health status, age, gender, county or region and benefit mix. Since Medicaid was created in 1965, the federal government and states have shared the costs for this program, with the federal government share currently averaging approximately 60%. We are therefore exposed to risks associated with federal and state government contracting or participating in programs involving a government payor, including but not limited to the general ability of the federal and/or state governments to terminate or modify contracts with them, in whole or in part, without prior notice, for convenience or for default based on performance; potential regulatory or legislative action that may materially modify amounts owed; our dependence upon Congressional or legislative appropriation and allotment of funds and the impact that delays in government payments could have on our operating cash flow and liquidity; responses to pandemics, resurgences and new emergent diseases and other regulatory, legislative or judicial actions that may have an impact on the operations of government subsidized healthcare programs, including ongoing litigation involving the ACA. Future levels of funding and premium rates may be affected by continuing government efforts to contain healthcare costs and may further be affected by state and federal budgetary constraints and spending initiatives or changes in control of the legislative or executive branches at the state and federal level. Governments periodically consider reducing or reallocating the amount of money they spend for Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, LTSS, ABD and Foster Care. For example, the OBBBA includes requirements that may reduce the number of members eligible for state Medicaid Expansion programs by requiring work or community engagement by members and for state Medicaid agencies to redetermine member eligibility at more frequent intervals, along with adding a "Cost Sharing" or "Co-Pay" for certain medical services. These changes could have the effect of increasing the overall morbidity of the Medicaid Expansion population largely beginning in 2027, subject to state implementation plans. Several other provisions of the OBBBA, such as adjustments to provider taxes and state directed payments beginning in 2028, may have the effect of reducing the amount of federal funding for Medicaid, which could result in changes in the design of Medicaid programs, including coverage of benefits, eligibility, and/or provider payment rates. In particular, New York intends to terminate its Essentials Plan-5, which provided state-subsidized healthcare for individuals from 200% to 250% of the FPL by July 1, 2026. Medicare remains subject to the automatic spending reductions imposed by the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (sequestration), subject to a 2% cap, which was extended by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 through 2029, which was reinstated on July 1, 2022, after a temporary suspension due to the COVID pandemic. Additional changes to the funding or eligibility criteria for these programs could materially impact our membership, revenues, financial condition and cash flows. The IRA enacted significant changes to the Medicare Part D program beginning on January 1, 2025. These changes created additional uncertainty for 2025 Medicare Part D bids, including their profitability and the competitive market landscape. If our future Part D premium bids are not profitable or below the CMS benchmarks or competitors price their products with significantly lower premiums, membership, revenue and profitability of this product could be materially reduced, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial conditions. Further, changes in the Medicare Part D program could impact membership and cause the timing of our cash flows to be impacted, which in turn could impact the timing and level of our interest expense. 30 30 30 Table of Contents Table of Contents In addition, CMS regulations will require beneficiaries dually enrolled in Medicare and in a Medicaid managed care plan to receive integrated care through the Medicaid company's Medicare Advantage D-SNPs beginning in 2030, with certain restrictions beginning in 2027, which may restrict our product offerings in some geographic service areas. However, some states have already moved or are planning to exclusively align dual-eligible enrollment under an aligned D-SNP before this timeframe. In addition, adverse economic conditions may put pressures on state budgets as tax and other state revenues decrease while the population that is eligible to participate in these programs remains steady or increases, creating more need for funding. We anticipate this will require government agencies to find funding alternatives, which may result in reductions or delays in funding for programs, contraction of covered benefits, increases to taxes and fees and limited or no premium rate increases or premium rate decreases. A reduction (or less than expected increase), a protracted delay or a change in allocation methodology in government funding for these programs, as well as termination of one or more contracts for the convenience of the government, may materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Also, if legislation increasing the federal debt ceiling is not enacted and the debt ceiling is reached, the federal government may stop or delay making payments on its obligations. In addition, if another federal government shutdown were to occur for a prolonged period of time, federal government payment obligations, including its obligations under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, LTSS, ABD, Foster Care and the Health Insurance Marketplace, may be delayed. Similarly, if state government shutdowns were to occur, state payment obligations may be delayed. If the federal or state governments fail to make payments under these programs on a timely basis, our business could suffer, and our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows may be materially affected. --- ## Modified: Any failure to adequately and timely price or anticipate demand for products offered, anticipate changes to the competitive landscape or any reduction in products offered for Medicare and in the Health Insurance Marketplace may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. **Key changes:** - Reworded sentence: "In the Health Insurance Marketplace, we may be adversely impacted if we have not accurately and timely predicted the health needs of our members, including individuals exiting or entering the market, causing the morbidity of the risk pool to rise without a proportionate change to risk adjustment." - Reworded sentence: "For example, late in the second quarter of 2025, we made a significant negative adjustment to our expected net risk adjustment revenue attributable to the 2025 Marketplace plan year." - Reworded sentence: "Any significant variation from our expectations regarding acuity of our members, the Marketplace membership as a whole, enrollment levels, adverse selection, out-of-network costs or other increased costs, including due to tariffs or other assumptions utilized in setting adequate premium rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for both our Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products." - Added sentence: "20 20 20 Table of Contents Table of Contents" **Prior (2025):** In the Health Insurance Marketplace, we may be adversely impacted if we have not accurately predicted the health needs of our members, including individuals exiting the market causing the morbidity of the risk pool to rise without a proportionate change to risk adjustment. In addition, the risk adjustment provisions of the ACA established to apportion risk amongst insurers may not be effective in appropriately mitigating the financial risks related to the Health Insurance Marketplace product, are affected by our members' acuity relative to the membership acuity of other insurers and are subject to a high degree of estimation and variability, including estimation of the ultimate level of program funding based on the financial performance of other insurers. Further, changes in the competitive market for both Health Insurance Marketplace and the Medicare Advantage products over time, changes to member eligibility in the program design, including due to changes to the eligibility or amount of the enhanced advanced premium tax credits and the timing of those changes, additional program integrity initiatives that have the effect of reducing membership or changes in the financial incentives of individuals, brokers and competitors to participate in such products may make pricing difficult to predict. For example, competitors may introduce pricing, broker incentives or broker distribution channels that we may not be able to match, which may adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. Competitors may also choose to exit the market altogether or otherwise suffer financial difficulty, which could adversely impact the pool of potential insured, affect collectability of risk adjustment payable or require us to increase premium rates. Any significant variation from our expectations regarding acuity, enrollment levels, adverse selection, out-of-network costs or other assumptions utilized in setting adequate premium rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for both our Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare Advantage products. In addition, we may be unable to accurately predict demand for both our Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare Advantage products, as demand depends on factors outside of our control such as the competitiveness of our bids, the broker distribution channels, additional program integrity initiatives that have the effect of reducing membership and the entry and exit of other competitors in the markets. If we experience higher demand for our products than anticipated, we may not have adequate staffing to be able to adequately meet service level requirements in our call centers, which could negatively impact our quality scores, our relationships with our members and providers, as well as our regulators. **Current (2026):** In the Health Insurance Marketplace, we may be adversely impacted if we have not accurately and timely predicted the health needs of our members, including individuals exiting or entering the market, causing the morbidity of the risk pool to rise without a proportionate change to risk adjustment. The premium rates we charge are typically determined in the summer prior to the next plan year, and delays in receiving data upon which the assumptions our based may impact our ability to timely adjust and receive state approval for these rates. In addition, the risk adjustment provisions of the ACA established to apportion risk amongst insurers may not be effective in appropriately mitigating the financial risks related to the Health Insurance Marketplace product, are affected by our members' acuity relative to the membership acuity of other insurers and are subject to a high degree of estimation and variability, including estimation of the ultimate level of program funding based on the financial performance of other insurers. For example, late in the second quarter of 2025, we made a significant negative adjustment to our expected net risk adjustment revenue attributable to the 2025 Marketplace plan year. Further, changes in the competitive market for both Health Insurance Marketplace and the Medicare products over time, unanticipated changes to member eligibility requirements or verification processes in the program design, including due to changes to the expiration of the Enhanced APTCs and the timing of those changes, additional program integrity initiatives that have the effect of reducing membership or causing the morbidity of the risk pool to rise, changes in consumer or provider behavior, or changes in the financial incentives of individuals, brokers and competitors to participate in such products may make pricing difficult to predict. For example, competitors may introduce pricing, broker incentives or broker distribution channels that we may not be able to match, which may adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. Competitors may also choose to exit the market altogether or otherwise suffer financial difficulty, which could adversely impact the pool of potential insured, affect collectability of risk adjustment payable or require us to increase premium rates. Any significant variation from our expectations regarding acuity of our members, the Marketplace membership as a whole, enrollment levels, adverse selection, out-of-network costs or other increased costs, including due to tariffs or other assumptions utilized in setting adequate premium rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows for both our Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products. While we have received approvals in the vast majority of states for our 2026 refiled Marketplace rates reflecting the increased medical expenses we experienced in 2025 and adjusted our benefit design and strategy, these actions may not be sufficient to maintain or increase the profitability of these products, which may unfavorably impact our results of operations and financial condition and may be material. In addition, we may be unable to accurately predict demand for both our Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products, as demand depends on factors outside of our control such as the competitiveness of our bids, the broker distribution channels, additional program integrity initiatives that have the effect of reducing membership and the entry and exit of other competitors in the markets. If we experience higher demand for our products than anticipated, we may not have adequate staffing to be able to adequately meet service level requirements in our call centers, which could negatively impact our quality scores, our relationships with our members and providers, as well as our regulators. 20 20 20 Table of Contents Table of Contents --- ## Modified: We have been and may from time to time become involved in costly and time-consuming litigation and other regulatory proceedings, which require significant attention from our management and could adversely affect our business. **Key changes:** - Reworded sentence: "From time to time, we are a defendant in lawsuits and regulatory actions and are subject to investigations relating to our business, including, without limitation, claims that may have retroactive application and periodic compliance and other reviews and investigations by various federal and state regulatory agencies with respect to requirements applicable to our business, including, without limitation, those related to payment of claims, compliance with the CMS Medicare and Marketplace regulations, including risk adjustment, prior authorizations and broker compensation, compliance with the False Claims Act, the calculation of minimum MLR and rebates related thereto, submissions to state agencies related to payments or state false claims acts, pre-authorization penalties, timely review of grievances and appeals, timely and accurate payment of claims, provider directory accuracy, network adequacy, cybersecurity issues, including those related to our or our third-party vendors' information systems, HIPAA and other federal and state fraud, waste and abuse laws; litigation arising out of general business activities, such as tax matters, disputes related to healthcare benefits coverage or reimbursement, putative securities class actions and related derivative lawsuits, and medical malpractice, privacy, real estate, intellectual property, vendor disputes and employment-related claims; and disputes regarding reinsurance arrangements, claims arising out of the acquisition or divestiture of various assets, class actions and claims relating to the performance of contractual and non-contractual obligations to providers, members, employer groups, vendors and others, including, but not limited to, the alleged failure to properly pay claims and challenges to the manner in which we processes claims, claims related to network adequacy and claims alleging that we have engaged in unfair business practices; and protests and appeals related to Medicaid procurement awards." **Prior (2025):** From time to time, we are a defendant in lawsuits and regulatory actions and are subject to investigations relating to our business, including, without limitation, medical malpractice claims; claims by members and providers alleging failure to timely and accurately pay for or provide healthcare; claims related to non-payment or insufficient payments for out-of-network services; claims related to provider directory accuracy, claims related to network adequacy; claims alleging bad faith; compliance with CMS Medicare and Marketplace regulations, including risk adjustment and broker compensation; claims related to the False Claims Act, the calculation of minimum MLR and rebates related thereto; claims related to privacy, intellectual property and vendor disputes; investigations regarding our submission of risk adjuster claims; putative securities class actions; protests and appeals related to Medicaid procurement awards; cybersecurity issues, including those related to our or our third-party vendors' information systems; employment-related disputes, including wage and hour claims; submissions to state agencies related to payments or state false claims acts, preauthorization penalties, timely review of grievance and appeals; and claims related to the imposition of new taxes, including but not limited to claims that may have retroactive application. Although we maintain some third-party insurance coverage, including excess liability insurance with third-party insurance carriers, certain liabilities or types of damages, such as punitive damages, may not be covered by insurance, insurers may dispute coverage or the amount of insurance may be insufficient to cover the entire damages awarded. In addition, regardless of the outcome of any litigation or regulatory proceedings, such proceedings are costly and time-consuming and require significant attention from our management and could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. **Current (2026):** From time to time, we are a defendant in lawsuits and regulatory actions and are subject to investigations relating to our business, including, without limitation, claims that may have retroactive application and periodic compliance and other reviews and investigations by various federal and state regulatory agencies with respect to requirements applicable to our business, including, without limitation, those related to payment of claims, compliance with the CMS Medicare and Marketplace regulations, including risk adjustment, prior authorizations and broker compensation, compliance with the False Claims Act, the calculation of minimum MLR and rebates related thereto, submissions to state agencies related to payments or state false claims acts, pre-authorization penalties, timely review of grievances and appeals, timely and accurate payment of claims, provider directory accuracy, network adequacy, cybersecurity issues, including those related to our or our third-party vendors' information systems, HIPAA and other federal and state fraud, waste and abuse laws; litigation arising out of general business activities, such as tax matters, disputes related to healthcare benefits coverage or reimbursement, putative securities class actions and related derivative lawsuits, and medical malpractice, privacy, real estate, intellectual property, vendor disputes and employment-related claims; and disputes regarding reinsurance arrangements, claims arising out of the acquisition or divestiture of various assets, class actions and claims relating to the performance of contractual and non-contractual obligations to providers, members, employer groups, vendors and others, including, but not limited to, the alleged failure to properly pay claims and challenges to the manner in which we processes claims, claims related to network adequacy and claims alleging that we have engaged in unfair business practices; and protests and appeals related to Medicaid procurement awards. Although we maintain some third-party insurance coverage, including excess liability insurance with third-party insurance carriers, certain liabilities or types of damages, such as punitive damages, may not be covered by insurance, insurers may dispute coverage or the amount of insurance may be insufficient to cover the entire damages awarded. In addition, regardless of the outcome of any litigation or regulatory proceedings, such proceedings are costly and time-consuming and require significant attention from our management and could therefore have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. --- ## Modified: Failure to timely and effectively identify and mitigate medical cost trends and receive adequate rate adjustments to account for increased acuity could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. **Key changes:** - Reworded sentence: "Our profitability depends to a significant degree on our ability to accurately estimate and effectively manage expenses related to health benefits through, among other things, our ability to contract favorably with hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers, as well as related administrative costs." - Reworded sentence: "If our actual medical expenses exceed our estimates for any reason, our health benefits ratio (HBR), or our expenses related to medical services as a percentage of premium revenues, would increase and our profits would decline." - Reworded sentence: "Changes in healthcare regulations and practices, including due to the OBBBA, the level of utilization of healthcare services, including due to eligibility changes, benefit design, provider or consumer behavior changes, out-of-network utilization and pricing, medical claim submission patterns, including due to the use of artificial intelligence, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, including new high-cost specialty drugs, unexpected events, such as natural disasters, the effects of climate change, acts of war or aggression, geopolitical instability, major epidemics, pandemics and their resurgence, or newly emergent diseases, new medical technologies, increases in provider fraud, tariffs, unexpected increases in taxes and fees, including provider taxes, and other external factors, including general economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation and unemployment levels, are generally beyond our control and could reduce our ability to accurately predict and effectively control the costs of providing health benefits." - Reworded sentence: "19 19 19 Table of Contents Table of Contents Assumptions and estimates are utilized in establishing premium deficiency reserves, when necessary." - Reworded sentence: "In addition, we have limited ability to manage the utilization of services until continuity of care requirements expire." **Prior (2025):** Our profitability depends to a significant degree on our ability to accurately estimate and effectively manage expenses related to health benefits through, among other things, our ability to contract favorably with hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers. For example, our government-sponsored health programs revenue is often based on bids submitted before the start of the initial contract year. If our actual medical expenses exceed our estimates, our health benefits ratio (HBR), or our expenses related to medical services as a percentage of premium revenues, would increase and our profits would decline. Because of the narrow margins of our health plan business, relatively small changes in our HBR can create significant changes in our financial results. Changes in healthcare regulations and practices, the level of utilization of healthcare services, out-of-network utilization and pricing, medical claim submission patterns, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, including new high-cost specialty drugs, unexpected events, such as natural disasters, the effects of climate change, acts of war or aggression, geopolitical instability, major epidemics, pandemics and their resurgence, or newly emergent diseases, new medical technologies, increases in provider fraud and other external factors, including general economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation and unemployment levels, are generally beyond our control and could reduce our ability to accurately predict and effectively control the costs of providing health benefits. Also, member behavior could continue to be influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the ACA, including potential changes in premium subsidies, including due to changes in the eligibility or amount of enhanced advance premium tax credits for Marketplace products. In addition, as a result of the expiration of the public health emergency (PHE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting Medicaid redeterminations process, we have experienced a higher HBR related to the remaining members, due to the acuity profile of this membership, as well as the gaps in eligibility for certain members who have rejoined the Medicaid plans. While we continue to work with our state partners to match rates to acuity post-redeterminations, such rate adjustments may be delayed or insufficient to offset the increased acuity. Our medical expenses include claims reported but not paid, estimates for claims incurred but not reported (IBNR), and estimates for the costs necessary to process unpaid claims at the end of each period. Our development of the medical claims liability estimate is a continuous process that we monitor and refine on a monthly basis as claims receipts and payment information as well as inpatient acuity information becomes available. As more complete information becomes available, we adjust the amount of the estimate, and include the changes in estimates in medical expenses in the period in which the changes are identified. Given the extensive judgment and uncertainties inherent in such estimates, there can be no assurance that our medical claims liability estimate will be accurate, and any adjustments to the estimate may unfavorably impact our results of operations and financial condition and may be material. Assumptions and estimates are utilized in establishing premium deficiency reserves. For example, we have established a premium deficiency reserve in connection with the 2025 Medicare Advantage business as of December 31, 2024. If our assumptions are inaccurate, we may be required to increase our premium deficiency reserves which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, when we commence operations in a new state or region or launch a new product, we have limited information with which to estimate our medical claims liability. For a period of time after the inception of the new business, we base our estimates on government-provided historical actuarial data and limited actual incurred and received claims and inpatient acuity information. The addition of new categories of eligible individuals, as well as evolving Health Insurance Marketplace plans, may pose difficulty in estimating our medical claims liability. 18 18 18 Table of Contents Table of Contents From time to time in the past, our actual results have varied from our estimates, particularly in times of significant changes in the number of our members. If it is determined that our estimates are significantly different than actual results, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, if there is a significant delay in our receipt of premiums, our business operations, cash flows or earnings could be negatively impacted. **Current (2026):** Our profitability depends to a significant degree on our ability to accurately estimate and effectively manage expenses related to health benefits through, among other things, our ability to contract favorably with hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers, as well as related administrative costs. For example, our government-sponsored health programs revenue is often based on bids submitted before the start of the initial contract year. If our actual medical expenses exceed our estimates for any reason, our health benefits ratio (HBR), or our expenses related to medical services as a percentage of premium revenues, would increase and our profits would decline. For example, late in the second quarter of 2025, data from an independent actuarial firm suggested a materially higher implied aggregate morbidity of the Marketplace membership as a whole than anticipated, resulting in a significant reduction of our expected net risk adjustment revenue for 2025. In addition, during 2025, our Medicaid membership had higher than expected medical costs, including due to unanticipated increased costs in behavioral health, home health and high-cost drugs. Because of the narrow margins of our health plan business, relatively small changes in our HBR can create significant changes in our financial results. Changes in healthcare regulations and practices, including due to the OBBBA, the level of utilization of healthcare services, including due to eligibility changes, benefit design, provider or consumer behavior changes, out-of-network utilization and pricing, medical claim submission patterns, including due to the use of artificial intelligence, hospital and pharmaceutical costs, including new high-cost specialty drugs, unexpected events, such as natural disasters, the effects of climate change, acts of war or aggression, geopolitical instability, major epidemics, pandemics and their resurgence, or newly emergent diseases, new medical technologies, increases in provider fraud, tariffs, unexpected increases in taxes and fees, including provider taxes, and other external factors, including general economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation and unemployment levels, are generally beyond our control and could reduce our ability to accurately predict and effectively control the costs of providing health benefits. Also, member and provider behavior could continue to be influenced by the uncertainty surrounding the availability, affordability, funding and access to health insurance, whether under Medicaid programs or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or the OBBBA, including due to the expiration of the Enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and additional program integrity initiatives for Marketplace products. In addition, as a result of the expiration of the public health emergency (PHE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting Medicaid redeterminations process, as well as changes in state benefit designs, we have continued to experience a higher HBR related to the remaining members, due to the acuity profile of this membership, as well as the gaps in eligibility for certain members who have rejoined the Medicaid plans. In particular, as part of the Medicaid rate setting process, state actuaries determine actuarial soundness of rates based on historical data. The delay in time between making claims payments and receiving rate adjustments when we experience an increased rate of change in medical expenses, whether due to the increased acuity profile of the membership or the increased utilization of health care services, such as behavioral health, home health and high-cost drugs, may cause the profitability of our Medicaid plans to be reduced. While we continue to work with our state partners to match rates to acuity to reflect more recent experience, such rate adjustments may be delayed or insufficient to offset the increased acuity. Our medical expenses include claims reported but not paid, estimates for claims incurred but not reported, and estimates for the costs necessary to process unpaid claims at the end of each period. Our development of the medical claims liability estimate is a continuous process that we monitor and refine on a monthly basis as claims receipts and payment information as well as inpatient acuity information becomes available. As more complete information becomes available, we adjust the amount of the estimate, and include the changes in estimates in medical expenses in the period in which the changes are identified. Given the extensive judgment and uncertainties inherent in such estimates, there can be no assurance that our medical claims liability estimate will be accurate, and any adjustments to the estimate may unfavorably impact our results of operations and financial condition and may be material. 19 19 19 Table of Contents Table of Contents Assumptions and estimates are utilized in establishing premium deficiency reserves, when necessary. In the instance a premium deficiency reserve is necessary, if our assumptions are inaccurate, we may be required to increase our premium deficiency reserves which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, when we commence operations in a new state or region or launch a new product, we have limited information with which to estimate our medical claims liability and continuity of care requirements, which can affect our ability to accurately predict medical claims. For a period of time after the inception of the new business, we base our estimates on government-provided historical actuarial data and limited actual incurred and received claims and inpatient acuity information. In addition, we have limited ability to manage the utilization of services until continuity of care requirements expire. For example, in 2025, we had higher utilization than we expected in several applied behavioral health services programs. The addition of new categories of eligible individuals, as well as evolving Health Insurance Marketplace plans and eligibility changes, may pose difficulty in estimating our medical claims liability. From time to time in the past, our actual results have varied from our estimates, particularly in times of significant changes in the number and acuity profile of our members. If it is determined that our estimates are significantly different than actual results, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, if there is a significant delay in our receipt of premiums, our business operations, cash flows or earnings could be negatively impacted. --- ## Modified: Significant changes to the ACA and the other government-sponsored healthcare programs in which we participate could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. **Key changes:** - Reworded sentence: "Among the most significant of the ACA's provisions was the establishment of the Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals and small employers to purchase health insurance coverage that included a minimum level of benefits and restrictions on coverage limitations and premium rates, as well as the expansion of Medicaid coverage to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level beginning January 1, 2014, subject to each state's election." **Prior (2025):** The enactment of the ACA in March 2010 transformed the U.S. healthcare delivery system through a series of complex initiatives; however, the ACA has faced, and continues to face, administrative, judicial and legislative challenges to repeal or change certain of its significant provisions. Changes to portions or the entirety of the ACA or significant changes to the other government-sponsored healthcare programs in which we participate, as well as judicial interpretations in response to constitutional and other legal challenges, as well as the uncertainty generated by such actual or potential challenges, could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The ultimate content, timing or effect of any potential future legislation or litigation and the outcome of other lawsuits cannot be predicted. 29 29 29 Table of Contents Table of Contents Among the most significant of the ACA's provisions was the establishment of the Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals and small employers to purchase health insurance coverage that included a minimum level of benefits and restrictions on coverage limitations and premium rates, as well as the expansion of Medicaid coverage to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level beginning January 1, 2014, subject to each state's election. The HHS additionally indicated that it would consider a limited number of premium assistance demonstration proposals from states that want to privatize Medicaid expansion. Several states in which we operate have obtained Section 1115 waivers to implement the ACA's Medicaid expansion in ways that extend beyond the flexibility provided by the federal law, with additional states pursuing Section 1115 waivers regarding eligibility criteria, benefits, and cost-sharing, and provider payments across their Medicaid programs. Litigation challenging Section 1115 waiver activity for both new and previously approved waivers is expected to continue both through administrative actions and the courts. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a final rule on June 19, 2018, which expanded flexibility regarding the regulation and formation of association health plans (AHPs) provided by small employer groups and associations. On June 13, 2019, the HHS, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Treasury issued a final rule allowing employers of all sizes that do not offer a group coverage plan to fund a new kind of health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), known as an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA). Beginning January 1, 2020, employees became able to use employer-funded ICHRAs to buy individual-market insurance, including insurance purchased on the public exchanges formed under the ACA. It remains uncertain whether or when the current or future administrations will propose changes to these insurance plan options that are not required to meet ACA requirements, and what the impact of such potential changes may be. These changes and other potential changes involving the functioning of the Health Insurance Marketplace as a result of additional new state and federal legislation, regulation, executive action or litigation, including those related to extending enrollment periods, increasing eligibility in the program design, changing the eligibility and amount of the advanced premium tax credit, additional payment integrity initiatives that have the effect of reducing membership and expanding navigator services the timing of those changes and our ability to respond to any changes in compliance with our state and federal timing requirements, could impact our business and results of operations adversely or in other ways that we do not currently anticipate. **Current (2026):** The enactment of the ACA in March 2010 transformed the U.S. healthcare delivery system through a series of complex initiatives; however, the ACA has faced, and continues to face, administrative, judicial and legislative challenges to repeal or change certain of its significant provisions. Changes to portions or the entirety of the ACA or significant changes to the other government-sponsored healthcare programs in which we participate, as well as judicial interpretations in response to constitutional and other legal challenges, as well as the uncertainty generated by such actual or potential challenges, could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The ultimate content, timing or effect of any potential future legislation or litigation and the outcome of other lawsuits cannot be predicted. Among the most significant of the ACA's provisions was the establishment of the Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals and small employers to purchase health insurance coverage that included a minimum level of benefits and restrictions on coverage limitations and premium rates, as well as the expansion of Medicaid coverage to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level beginning January 1, 2014, subject to each state's election. Several states in which we operate have obtained Section 1115 waivers to implement the ACA's Medicaid expansion in ways that extend beyond the flexibility provided by the federal law. In July 2025, CMS indicated that it would no longer approve new Section 1115 waivers for continuous care coverage or workforce assistance. In addition, the OBBBA includes requirements that may reduce the number of members eligible for state Medicaid Expansion programs by requiring work or community engagement by members and for state Medicaid agencies to redetermine member eligibility at more frequent intervals, along with adding a "Cost Sharing" or "Co-Pay" for certain medical services. These changes could have the effect of increasing the overall morbidity of the Medicaid Expansion population largely beginning in 2027, subject to state implementation plans. Several other provisions of the OBBBA, such as adjustments to provider taxes and state directed payments beginning in 2028, may have the effect of reducing the amount of federal funding for Medicaid, which could result in changes in the design of Medicaid programs, including coverage of benefits, eligibility, and/or provider payment rates. In particular, New York intends to terminate its Essentials Plan-5, which provided state-subsidized healthcare for individuals from 200% to 250% of the FPL by July 1, 2026. The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2025. The Final Rule makes changes to policies to strengthen program integrity measures in the Marketplace. For example, the Special Enrollment Period for those under 150% of the FPL has been repealed beginning August 25, 2025. Several of the provisions of the Final Rule have been stayed due to ongoing litigation. These include a requirement for certain consumers who automatically re-enroll into a fully subsidized Marketplace plan to be re-enrolled into the same plan with a $5 premium until the consumer updates their exchange application to confirm APTC eligibility. Additionally, exchanges may no longer accept a consumer's self-attestation of projected annual household income when the IRS cannot verify it due to lack of tax return data; rather, exchanges must verify household income using other trusted data sources. 31 31 31 Table of Contents Table of Contents Extended eligibility for the Enhanced APTC for Marketplace members expired on December 31, 2025. For example, beginning January 1, 2026, should individuals mis-estimate their projected income, the OBBBA requires them to reimburse the IRS for the full amount of excess tax credit received. In addition, as of January 1, 2026, the OBBBA prohibits individuals from receiving APTCs if they enroll in health coverage through a Special Enrollment Period associated with their income. We anticipate that the combined effect of the expiration of the Enhanced APTCs, the Final Rule, and the OBBBA will reduce 2026 Marketplace membership and continue to increase the overall morbidity of the Marketplace population. These changes and other potential changes involving the functioning of the Health Insurance Marketplace as a result of additional new state and federal legislation, regulation, executive action or litigation, including those related to extending enrollment periods, increasing eligibility in the program design, changing the eligibility and amount of the advanced premium tax credit, additional payment integrity initiatives that have the effect of reducing membership and expanding navigator services the timing of those changes and our ability to respond to any changes in compliance with our state and federal timing requirements, could impact our business and results of operations adversely or in other ways that we do not currently anticipate. --- *Data sourced from SEC EDGAR. Last updated 2026-05-11.*