California’s Department of Managed Health Care issued a cease-and-desist order Nov. 9 to Medicare Advantage insurer Astiva Health.
Under the order, which went into effect immediately, Astiva cannot enroll new members, except for dependents or enrollees who already selected a plan prior to the freeze. The MA annual enrollment period started Oct. 15 and runs until Dec. 7.
According to the order, Astiva’s financial reports showed it fell short of California’s minimum tangible net equity requirement in several reporting periods. This requirement is meant to ensure fiscally sound health plan operations. Astiva also entered into an agreement with the department in 2023, committing to maintaining 150% of the minimum amount. The insurer failed to meet that requirement, as well, the order said.
The order said the department sent Astiva a letter in May warning of possible enforcement actions, such as frozen enrollment. As of Aug. 28, Astiva had more than 50,000 enrollees.
Astiva may request a hearing within 30 days of the order’s service date.
Astiva had been hit with cease-and-desist orders in October 2024 and November 2025, as well. Those orders concerned the assignment of members to specific provider groups that failed to meet reporting requirements. The department lifted the October 2024 order in June 2025.
Becker’s has reached out to Astiva for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
