Key Takeaways Elevance Health shares plunged Thursday after the insurer reported lower-than-expected earnings and cut its outlook as changes in Medicaid slashed membership rolls.The insurer's third-quarter Medicaid membership dropped 19% from a year ago on eligibility redeterminations and other changes to the program.

We remain confident in the long-term earnings potential of our diverse businesses as we navigate a dynamic operating environment and unprecedented challenges in the Medicaid business,” Chief Executive Gail K.

On Thursday, Elevance Health disclosed in its third quarter earnings release that its medical loss ratio — the amount of premium revenue it spent on medical care — was markedly higher than Wall Street analysts expected, sending its stock price into a tailspin.