Common Questions for Patients with Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance Plans
If you have a question that's not answered below, please call 858-249-3560 to speak with a UC San Diego Health insurance navigator. For general information about this issue, see Important Information for Patients with Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance Plans.
Q: What is happening?
A: Anthem Blue Cross has terminated its agreement with UC Health, effective December 31, 2023, jeopardizing in-network access to care for millions of Californians at UC San Diego Health and all UC Health locations across the state. UC San Diego Health is in negotiations for a new agreement with Anthem that covers the exceptional care we provide to Californians covered by Anthem.
Q: When does the current in-network agreement with Anthem end?
A: Our agreement expires after December 31, 2023.
Q: Which Anthem health plans are affected by the negotiations?
A: The following patients are impacted by the negotiations:
- People who selected an Anthem plan through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System
- Commercially insured patients, including those with employer-sponsored health plans and those who purchased an Anthem plan in the Covered California marketplace
- Individuals with Medicare Advantage plans administered by Anthem
- Individuals with Medi-Cal (managed Medicaid) plans administered by Anthem
Q: Which UC health care professionals and facilities are impacted?
A: All UC Health hospitals, facilities and health care professionals rely on this agreement with Anthem to remain in network for you.
Q: I have an Anthem plan. What does this mean for me?
A: For now, nothing changes. You can still see your doctor and get care at UC San Diego Health facilities until December 31, 2023, without any changes. Due to Anthem’s decision to terminate our contract, we cannot guarantee you will have this same access to in-network care after December 31, 2023. Despite their decision to terminate before our negotiations had even begun, we continue to make it clear that we are prepared to negotiate in good faith in hopes of avoiding a disruption in your health care and potentially higher out-of-network charges.
Q: Why is it important for UC San Diego Health to have a deal with Anthem?
A: Anthem is using its strength and size to demand unfair contractual arrangements for our services, even as it consistently raises member premiums and reports record profits for shareholders. UC San Diego Health consistently ranks among the nation’s best across a variety of specialties. We bring the power of internationally renowned academic medicine to patients in the communities we serve, delivering the absolute best of what’s possible in health care. As one of the region’s most vital health care resources, UC San Diego Health needs a fair agreement with Anthem to maintain the standard of care that our patients rely on for their health.
Have Questions?
As a valued patient, we want to help you understand what is happening and what you can do to make sure your care at UC San Diego Health continues. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call 858-249-3560 to speak with a UC San Diego Health insurance navigator.