STAT+: DOJ, Elevance spar over access to top exec in Medicare Advantage fraud case

STAT PlusInsurance DOJ, Elevance spar over access to top exec in Medicare Advantage fraud case Elevance ‘refuses’ to make Peter Haytaian available for deposition, Justice Department says Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Bob HermanApril 30, 2026 Bob Herman is the author of Health Care Inc., an award-winning weekly newsletter about the business of health and medicine. Bob Herman[email protected]Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. One of the biggest Medicare Advantage fraud cases has hit a snag, with government officials saying they don’t have access to a key witness. Elevance Health is blocking the deposition of Peter Haytaian, an outgoing executive who previously oversaw the health insurer’s Medicare Advantage plans, Department of Justice attorneys said this week in a letter to a judge. The letter also revealed how Elevance announced Haytaian’s departure right after DOJ first asked to depose him.Advertisement The dispute underscores the high stakes of the lawsuit, which the DOJ initiated in 2020. It also adds to the wide-ranging scrutiny facing Elevance’s private Medicare plans for seniors, which generated more than $40 billion of revenue last year. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — and get additional analysis of the financial innards of our health care system — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In legal, medicare advantage, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Bob Herman Business of Health Care Reporter Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Newsletter Unpacking the business — and secretive inner workings — of the U.S. health care industry Recommended Pharmalot April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA wants to exclude weight loss drugs from a compounding list The Readout April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Five-way obesity drug is super effective — in mice Advertisement Breaking News April 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Cigna will exit ACA individual markets next year, adding to tumult for patients The Readout April 29, 2026 STAT Plus: A patent win for Pfizer and BridgeBio Biotech April 28, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA launches effort to speed up clinical trials, using AI Subscriber Picks