Get answers to your questions

We know this situation raises questions.

Our goal is to answer those questions clearly, keep you informed throughout the process, and provide updates as things change.

What actually happened between Sentara and Anthem?

After eight months of discussions, Anthem refuses to negotiate a fair agreement with Sentara that reflects reasonable terms that support the delivery of care to Virginians. Specifically, certain commercial and Medicare agreements will expire on December 31, 2026, and Medicaid agreements will expire in early 2027, if a new agreement cannot be reached. This is a formal step required under our agreement, not the outcome we want. We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement with Anthem.

Does this affect my care right now? 

No. Nothing changes today. If you are an Anthem member who sees Sentara providers or uses Sentara facilities, nothing changes today. Your care continues without interruption. Sentara remains in Anthem's network through at least December 31, 2026.

Who is impacted? 

No one loses in-network access today. All Anthem members on any plan remain in-network at Sentara through the end of 2026. If Anthem refuses to work to reach a fair agreement, members could lose in-network access starting January 1, 2027.

I am an Anthem member in North Carolina. Will I be impacted?

This negotiation does not affect Sentara's facilities or providers in North Carolina — care there continues without any disruption.

However, if you are an Anthem member — regardless of where you live — and you receive care at a Sentara hospital, care center or see a Sentara provider in Virginia, this does apply to you. Should a new agreement not be reached, Anthem members could lose in-network access to Sentara's Virginia providers and facilities starting January 1, 2027, at the earliest. We are working hard to prevent that outcome.

What should I do right now? 

Nothing. You should continue accessing your care as you normally would. You do not need to switch providers, change your coverage, or take any other action at this time.

If you’d like to share what continued access to your Sentara provider and care team means to you or a loved one

Tell us your story

How will I know if something changes?

We are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. This page is your most up-to-date source of information — we will update it as negotiations progress and as anything changes.

In addition, if your coverage or network access is affected, Sentara will communicate with you directly through:

• This website: updated in real time as developments occur
• Sentara MyChart: for patients who receive care at Sentara
• Direct letters: mailed to affected members as needed

You do not need to do anything right now. If you have questions at any time, call us at 1-800-741-4825 or use the contact form.

Why did Sentara take this step? 

Sentara has proposed a modest, single-digit overall rate adjustment, which is a correction after years of Anthem underpaying us compared to what it pays other Virginia health systems for the same services. Despite repeated attempts to negotiate in good faith, Anthem would not agree. Sending a notice of termination is a contractual step — not a decision we made lightly, and not the outcome we want.

What happens if no deal is reached by January 2027?

If no agreement is reached by December 31, 2026, Sentara providers and facilities will no longer be in-network for Virginia Anthem members on a rolling basis. This will mean higher out-of-pocket costs to keep seeing your Sentara doctors, or the need to find new providers within Anthem's network. We are working hard to prevent this outcome and remain committed to reaching a fair agreement that protects patients’ continued access to care — Anthem must do the same.

Will any services remain in network should Sentara go out of network with Anthem?

Whether or not Sentara remains in Anthem's network, the following services will continue to be available to all Anthem members:

• Emergency services
• Critical care needs
• Cancer Treatment
• Obstetrics care

What if I am currently receiving cancer care at Sentara facilities?

Your treatment will not be interrupted. Sentara remains in Anthem’s network through at least December 31, 2026. Anthem members who are in active cancer treatment before January 1, 2027, will continue to be covered through their full course of treatment — including maintenance care and follow-up appointments/care for up to 90 days after treatment ends. If you have concerns about your specific care plan, please call us at 1-800-741-4825.

What if I am currently receiving obstetrics/pregnancy care at Sentara facilities?

Your treatment will not be interrupted. Sentara remains in Anthem’s network through at least December 31, 2026. Anthem members who are in active pregnancy care before January 1, 2027, will continue to be covered through the full course of their journey. If you have concerns about your specific care plan, please call us at 1-800-741-4825.

What should I do if I need emergency medical care from a Sentara Hospital? 

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 immediately. Anthem is legally required to cover emergency services regardless of whether a hospital is in-network or not. That applies to all facilities, not just Sentara’s.

What if I have further questions? 

We're here to help. Please call us at 1-800-741-4825 to speak with someone about your options and care access. You can also reach us through our contact form.

News and updates

Anthem’s profits over patients strategy isn’t happening in a vacuum. Here is coverage of how Anthem operates across the country and what this fight means for Virginia.