On January 22, 2026, Gail K. Boudreaux, President and Chief Executive Officer of Elevance Health, testified before the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees regarding healthcare affordability. Boudreaux addressed the rising costs in the healthcare system, noting that in 2024, U.S. healthcare spending reached $5.3 trillion, which represented a 7.2% increase from the previous year and accounted for about 18% of the gross domestic product.
She explained that higher utilization and increasing intensity of care—especially in hospital services, physician services, and prescription drugs—are primary drivers of these costs. “Healthcare affordability challenges reflect system-wide cost growth, with healthcare costs rising faster than inflation and the broader economy,” Boudreaux said.
Boudreaux stated that improving affordability requires tackling these cost drivers while ensuring continued access to quality care. She emphasized approaches such as value-based care models, improved care coordination, reducing administrative complexity, and developing consumer-focused tools.
“At Elevance Health, affordability sits at the center of our whole-health approach and guides how we create sustainable value for members, customers, and communities,” Boudreaux said. She added that bipartisan policy solutions could help by promoting competition and transparency as well as maintaining stable public program policies.
“We are committed to working with partners across the healthcare system to manage costs and help people get the care they need when they need it,” she concluded.
Elevance Health is recognized as a major health organization focused on simplifying healthcare while supporting holistic well-being for millions through its affiliated health plans (official website). The company emphasizes innovation in its comprehensive services as well as diversity and inclusion within its operations (official website). It also supports career development opportunities for employees (official website) and is noted for being a leading employer for veterans (official website).
Elevance Health provides medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, clinical care solutions, home health services, and complex care management to over 109 million consumers nationwide (official website). The organization aims to enhance physical, behavioral, and social well-being while simplifying access to resources across communities (official website).
More information about Elevance Health can be found on their website, X (@ElevanceHealth), or LinkedIn.
