Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP diluted earnings per share was $9.61 and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $11.97, reflecting year-over-year growth of more than 10% [18] - Operating revenue in the quarter was $48.8 billion, an increase of over 15%, driven by higher premium yields in the Health Benefits segment and growth in Medicare Advantage and individual ACA membership [19] - The consolidated benefit expense ratio was 86.4%, an increase of 80 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to higher cost trends in the Medicaid business [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Health Benefits operating gain was $2.2 billion, slightly declining due to higher Medicaid costs, partially offset by operating efficiencies [20] - Calon's operating gain grew 34% to $1.1 billion, driven by growth in pharmacy volumes and improved performance of deployed risk-based capabilities [21] - The company ended the quarter with 45.8 million medical members, up 99,000 from year-end, primarily driven by targeted expansion and better-than-expected retention rates in Medicare Advantage [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Individual ACA membership grew approximately 11% sequentially, but a moderation in membership is anticipated during the second quarter due to lower-than-expected effectuation rates [18] - In Medicaid, progress on rate alignment is ongoing, with April adjustments coming in as expected and discussions for the July cohort underway [12] - The company is expanding its value-based oncology care model to Medicare Advantage, following success in the commercial segment [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its purpose to improve the health of humanity through investments in patient advocacy solutions and digital platforms [7][9] - Elevance Health is expanding its integrated offerings, which combine advocacy, behavioral health, pharmacy, and specialty care, to enhance employer engagement [14] - The acquisition of CareBridge strengthens the company's capabilities in home and community-based services, supporting its whole health approach [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for Medicare Advantage, citing strong retention and disciplined growth strategies [13] - The company is monitoring trends closely, particularly in Medicare costs, which remain elevated but manageable [28] - Management reiterated guidance for adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $34.15 to $34.85, with expectations for more than 60% of earnings to be realized in the first half of the year [24] Other Important Information - The company was recognized as one of Fortune's 100 best companies to work for and included in the Just 100 by Just Capital, reflecting its commitment to values and impact [17] - The debt to capital ratio was approximately 41%, preserving flexibility for strategic investments [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Medicare Advantage trends and IRA impact - Management indicated that Medicare costs remain elevated but manageable, with no material changes to prior expectations [27][28] Question: Growth in Carillon services and cross-sales - Carillon services experienced over 60% growth, with strong internal and external expansion noted [35][36] Question: Effectuation rates and membership expectations - Effectuation rates are tracking lower than initial expectations, with projected membership attrition in the mid-single-digit percent range in early Q2 [42] Question: Medicaid MLR margin trends - Medicaid trends remain elevated but decelerated as expected, with stabilization anticipated in the latter half of the year [92] Question: Part D utilization and new normal - Management is comfortable with the mix of Medicare Advantage membership and has not observed substantial variation in Part D utilization [112]