Why it matters

Elevance Health’s operates across commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid markets. Proposed policy changes could affect millions of Americans’ health care coverage. The company is up against powerhouses like the American Medical Association ($8M in lobbying), AARP ($6.63M), pharmaceutical manufacturers, and veterans’ organizations all fighting to influence the same legislation.

By the numbers

  • $1.22 million spent on in-house lobbying (Q3 2024)
  • $330,000 directed to external firms
  • 5+ bills specifically targeted in early 2025, focused heavily on PBM regulation

The big picture

Elevance has positioned itself as a significant voice in several high-stakes healthcare debates, particularly around prescription drug costs. The company’s lobbying efforts focus on shaping legislation on veterans’ health care and regulation of Pharmacy Benefit Managers, which serve as middlemen between insurers, drug makers, and pharmacies.

Key bills in their crosshairs include:

  • The DRUG Act (H.R. 2214), targeting PBM compensation models
  • Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act (S. 526), addressing pricing transparency
  • Patients Before Middlemen Act (S. 882), focusing on Medicare Part D requirements

Between the lines

Elevance’s interest in these bills puts them in direct competition with pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy groups, and rival insurers – all fighting to protect their positions in the prescription drug supply chain.

The company is also heavily lobbying on veterans’ healthcare legislation. The Veterans ACCESS Act (S. 275/H.R. 740), which would expand VA community care programs, represents a potential business opportunity for private insurers like Elevance.

The players

  • Elizabeth Hall, who brings 15 years of company experience plus previous work on the Senate HELP Committee
  • Samuel Marchio II, a veteran lobbyist with the company since 2011 and former House Rules Committee associate
  • New addition Ladan Ahmadi, whose communications background signals Elevance’s focus on messaging complexity

The company recently adjusted its external lobbying strategy, terminating relationships with Tiber Creek Group and EFB Advocacy while bringing on Mehlman Consulting in 2024.

What’s next

With bipartisan support behind many of these bills, Elevance faces both opportunity and threat. PBM reform appears increasingly likely, but the final shape of legislation remains unclear.