Eyes On Elevance Health, UnitedHealth For Continued Insurer Rebound

Health insurance giants Elevance Health and UnitedHealth are set to release their second-quarter earnings this week, with the industry closely watching for signs of sustained control over escalating medical costs. After a period in 2025 where many insurers reported medical loss ratios exceeding 90%, the first quarter of 2026 showed promising improvements, with Elevance at 86.8% and UnitedHealth at 83.9%. These upcoming reports, from the nation's largest and second-largest insurers, will offer crucial clues on whether the sector is truly turning a corner. Analysts are optimistic, particularly regarding continued cost management within profitable Medicare Advantage plans, as these companies navigate a challenging healthcare landscape. This week’s Elevance Health and UnitedHealth Group quarterly earnings are much anticipated for signs these companies’ health insurance businesses and their rivals are keeping a handle on rising costs. In this photo, UnitedHealthcare health insurance company signage is displayed on an office building in Phoenix, Arizona on July 19, 2023. This week’s Elevance Health and UnitedHealth Group quarterly earnings are much anticipated for signs these companies’ health insurance businesses and that of their rivals are keeping a handle on rising costs. Elevance, which owns Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 states, and UnitedHealth, which owns the nation’s largest health insurer in UnitedHealthcare.