v3.26.1
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual financial statements. We have omitted certain footnote disclosures that would substantially duplicate the disclosures in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the “2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K”), unless the information contained in those disclosures materially changed or is required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 have been recorded. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2026, or any other period. The seasonal nature of portions of our healthcare and related benefits business, as well as competitive and other market conditions, may cause full-year results to differ from estimates based upon our interim results of operations. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025 included in our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Foreign Currency
Certain of our subsidiaries operate outside of the United States and have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar (“USD”). We translate the assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries to USD using the exchange rate in effect at the end of the period. We translate the revenues and expenses of those subsidiaries to USD using the average exchange rates in effect during the period. The net effect of these translation adjustments is included in “Other” in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents includes available cash and all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. We control a number of bank accounts that are used exclusively to hold customer funds for the administration of customer benefits, and we have cash and cash equivalents on deposit to meet certain regulatory and contractual requirements. These amounts totaled $668 and $348 at June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively, and are included in the cash and cash equivalents line on our consolidated balance sheets.
Investments
Investments: We classify fixed maturity securities in our investment portfolio as “available-for-sale” and report those securities at fair value. Certain fixed maturity securities are available to support current operations and, accordingly, we classify such investments as current assets without regard to their contractual maturity. Investments used to satisfy contractual, regulatory or other requirements are classified as long-term, without regard to contractual maturity.
If a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and we have the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that we will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, we write down the fixed maturity security’s cost basis to fair value and record an impairment loss in our consolidated statements of income. For impaired fixed maturity securities that we do not intend to sell or if it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell such securities, but we expect that we will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, we recognize the credit component of the impairment as an allowance for credit loss in our consolidated balance sheets and record an impairment loss in our consolidated statements of income. The non-credit component of the impairment is recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” Furthermore, unrealized losses entirely caused by non-credit-related factors related to fixed maturity securities for which we expect to fully recover the amortized cost basis continue to be recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.”
The credit component of an impairment is determined primarily by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. The net present value is calculated by discounting our best estimate of projected future cash flows at the effective interest rate implicit in the fixed maturity security at the date of purchase. For mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, cash flow estimates are based on assumptions regarding the underlying collateral, including prepayment speeds, vintage, type of underlying asset, geographic concentrations, default rates, recoveries and changes in value. For all other securities, cash flow estimates are driven by assumptions regarding probability of default, including changes in credit ratings and estimates regarding timing and amount of recoveries associated with a default.
For asset-backed securities included in “Fixed maturity securities,” we recognize income using an effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future payments. The net investment in the securities is adjusted to the amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since the purchase date of the securities. Such adjustments are reported within “Net investment income” in our consolidated statements of income.
The changes in fair value of our marketable equity securities are recognized in our results of operations within “Net losses on financial instruments.” Certain marketable equity securities are held to satisfy contractual obligations and are reported under the caption “Other invested assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.
We have investments in limited partnerships (“LPs”) and companies in which our ownership interest may enable us to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company, including unconsolidated variable interest entities. These investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are reported within “Other invested assets” in our consolidated balance sheets. Our proportionate share of equity in net income (loss) for these LPs and unconsolidated investee companies is reported within “Net investment income” in our consolidated statements of income. The carrying value of these investments is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than temporary. In applying the equity method (including assessment for other-than temporary impairment), we use financial information provided by the LPs and investee companies, generally on a one-to three-month lag. We consolidate investee companies in certain other instances where it is deemed to exercise control or is considered the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.
Mortgage loans on real estate are classified as held for investment and are reported at their amortized cost basis net of loss allowance under the caption “Other invested assets” in our consolidated balance sheets. Amortized cost is the amount at which the loan is originated, adjusted for accrued interest, amortization of premium, discount and net deferred fees or costs, collection of cash and write-offs.
We have corporate-owned life insurance policies on certain participants in our deferred compensation plans and other members of management. The cash surrender value of the corporate-owned life insurance policies is reported under the caption “Other invested assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.
Investment income is recorded when earned. All securities sold resulting in investment realized gains and losses are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined on the basis of the cost or amortized cost of the specific securities sold.
We participate in securities lending programs whereby marketable securities in our investment portfolio are transferred to independent brokers or dealers in exchange for cash and securities collateral. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance related to accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities, we recognize the collateral as an asset, which is reported in “Other current assets” in our consolidated balance sheets, and we record a corresponding liability for the obligation to return the collateral to the borrower, which is reported under the caption “Other current liabilities.” The securities on loan are reported in the applicable investment category in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains or losses on securities lending collateral are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The market value of loaned securities and that of the collateral pledged can fluctuate in non-synchronized fashions. To the extent the loaned securities’ value appreciates faster or depreciates slower than the value of the collateral pledged, we are exposed to the risk of the shortfall. As a primary mitigating mechanism, the loaned securities and collateral pledged are marked to market on a daily basis and the shortfall, if any, is collected accordingly. Secondarily, the collateral level is set at 102% of the value of the loaned securities, which provides a cushion before any shortfall arises. The investment of the cash collateral is subject to market risk, which is managed by limiting the investments to higher quality and shorter duration instruments.
Receivables
Receivables: Receivables are reported net of amounts for expected credit losses. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical collection trends, future forecasts and our judgment regarding the ability to collect specific accounts.
Premium receivables include the uncollected amounts from insured groups, individuals and government programs. Premium receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $187 and $167 at June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
Self-funded receivables include administrative fees, claims and other amounts due from fee-based customers. Self-funded receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $153 and $145 at June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
Other receivables include pharmacy rebates, provider advances, claims recoveries, reinsurance receivables, proceeds due from brokers on investment trades that have not yet settled, accrued investment income and other miscellaneous amounts due to us. These receivables are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,737 and $1,509 at June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively. During the quarter ended June 30, 2025, we realized a $209 settlement with a value-based care provider, which allowed us to release $129 from the allowance for doubtful accounts. Of the settlement amount, $154 pertained to services rendered in 2024.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition: Premiums for risk-based contracts are recognized as revenue over the period insurance coverage is provided, and, if applicable, net of amounts recognized for medical loss ratio rebates, risk adjustment, reinsurance and risk corridor under contractual premium stabilization arrangements, the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) or other regulatory requirements. Premiums may also include performance incentives and penalties, which are recognized based on contractual terms. We estimate amounts receivable and payable under these contractual terms, and to the extent that such estimated amounts vary from the final amounts paid, the adjustments are included in earnings in the period of final settlement. Premium payments from contracted government agencies are based on eligibility lists produced by the government agencies. Premium payments related to the unexpired contractual coverage periods are reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as “Unearned income”. Premiums include revenue adjustments for retrospectively rated contracts where revenue is based on the estimated loss experience of the contract. Premium rates for certain lines of business are subject to approval by the Department of Insurance of each respective state. Additionally, delays in annual premium rate changes from contracted government agencies require that we defer the recognition of any increases to the period in which the premium rates become final. The value of the impact can be significant in the period in which it is recognized depending on the magnitude of the premium rate increase, the membership to which it applies and the length of the delay between the effective date of the rate increase and the final contract date. Premium rate decreases are recognized in the period the change in premium rate becomes effective and the change in the rate is known, which may be prior to the period when the contract amendment affecting the rate is finalized.
We also record premiums for certain value-based arrangements of our Carelon Services care delivery businesses. Under these value-based arrangements, we carry financial responsibility across medical claims costs through risk contracts with health plans in which we deliver, integrate, direct and control certain healthcare services for patients. In exchange, we receive a premium that is typically paid on a per-patient per-month basis and performance-based payments that are recognized when performance metrics are achieved. We consider these value-based arrangements to represent a single performance obligation where revenues are recognized in the period in which healthcare services are made available.
Service fees include revenue from certain group contracts that provide for the group to be at risk for all or, with supplemental insurance arrangements, a portion, of their claims experience. We charge these fee-based groups an administrative fee, which is based on the number of members in a group and the group’s claim experience. In addition, service fees include amounts received for the administration of Medicare, certain other government programs, and administrative services arrangements of our Carelon subsidiaries. Generally, each fee-based arrangement includes services which constitute a single suite of services provided and for which consideration is based upon an agreed-upon rate, regardless of the amount of services provided in a given period. As with premiums, each fee-based arrangement may include terms with retroactive rate or membership adjustments, performance incentives and penalties, each of which is a form of variable consideration within the transaction price. As such, each fee-based arrangement contains a single performance obligation that constitutes a series, and revenue is recognized over time as the services are performed. All benefit payments under these programs are excluded from benefit expense.
The determination of whether services are distinct performance obligations that should be accounted for separately or combined as one unit of accounting may require significant judgment. The estimation of variable consideration to be recognized requires significant judgment in the determination of the level of achievement of performance incentives, service level achievements subject to performance penalties, and the completion level of tasks subject to implementation fees.
Product revenue represents services performed by CarelonRx for unaffiliated pharmacy customers and includes ingredient costs (net of any rebates or discounts), including co-payments made by or on behalf of the customer, and service fees. Unaffiliated pharmacy customers include our fee-based groups that have contracted with CarelonRx for pharmacy services and third-party health plans. Product revenues and costs of goods sold for our affiliated health plans are eliminated in consolidation, excluding co-payments and subsidies made by or on behalf of affiliated customers. Product revenue for pharmacy services is recognized using the gross method at the negotiated contract price when CarelonRx has concluded that it is the principal, and it controls the services before prescription drugs are transferred to the customer. CarelonRx determines whether it is the principal based on its contractual rights to design and develop a listing of prescription drugs offered to the customer (formulary management); its control over establishing the pharmacy network available to the customer to have its prescription fulfilled (network management); and its discretion over establishing the pricing for prescription drugs. Overall, control over these activities indicates CarelonRx is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide pharmacy services. CarelonRx recognizes revenue when control of the prescription drugs is transferred to customers, in an amount it expects to be entitled to in exchange for the products or services provided.
For our non-risk-based contracts, we had no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on our consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2026 or December 31, 2025. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods, such as due to changes in transaction price, was not material. For contracts that have an original, expected duration of greater than one year, revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to unfulfilled contractual performance obligations and contracts with variable consideration related to undelivered performance obligations is not material.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance and Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance: In July 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets (“ASU 2025-05”). This standard introduces a practical expedient for all entities when estimating expected credit losses on current accounts receivable and contract assets arising from transactions under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606. Under the practical expedient, entities may assume that conditions at the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of the asset, reducing the need to prepare complex macroeconomic forecasts for short-term balances. ASU 2025-05 became effective for our fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim periods within such fiscal years, with prospective application required. We adopted these amendments on January 1, 2026 and applied the amendments on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2025-05 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted: In November 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“ASU 2024-03”). This standard requires additional expense breakdowns in the footnotes for items such as inventory purchases, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. Public companies must also provide a qualitative description of remaining expense amounts not separately disclosed, as well as the definition and total amount of selling expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for our fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods within our fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2027. The amendments are to be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of the update, or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2024-03 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software (“ASU 2025-06”). This standard modernizes the accounting for internal-use software by removing references to prescriptive development stages and instead requiring capitalization of costs once (1) management has authorized and committed to funding the software project, and (2) it is probable the project will be completed and placed in service. Entities must evaluate whether there is “significant development uncertainty,” such as unresolved novel functionality or substantially revised performance requirements, before meeting this capitalization threshold. ASU 2025-06 is effective for our fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim periods within such fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities may adopt the amendments prospectively, retrospectively, or under a modified transition approach. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2025-06 on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
There were no other new accounting pronouncements that were issued or became effective since the issuance of our 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K that had, or are expected to have, a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.