How to Pay Your Anthem Health Insurance Bill
What Anthem Bill Pay Is and How It Works
Anthem Bill Pay is the online and phone system where you send money to Anthem for your health insurance premium. It is not a separate product—it is how Anthem receives payment from you each month. When you have an Anthem health plan (whether through your employer, the marketplace, or as an individual policy), you use Bill Pay to make sure that payment reaches them on time.
The system lets you pay through your bank account (ACH transfer), by phone with a debit or credit card, or sometimes by mailing a check. Anthem does not automatically pull money from your account unless you set up automatic payments. If you do not pay by the due date, your coverage can be suspended or cancelled, depending on your plan type and how many months you miss.
Bill Pay is separate from any out-of-pocket costs you owe after a doctor visit or hospital stay. This is strictly about your monthly premium—the amount Anthem charges you to keep the plan active.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your Anthem premium online through their website, by phone, or by mail, and payment must arrive by the due date shown on your bill.
- Setting up automatic payments (autopay) prevents missed payments, but you can also pay month to month manually.
- If you miss a payment, contact Anthem within 30 days to ask about a grace period, which varies by plan type.
- Employer-sponsored plans and marketplace plans have different rules about what happens when you do not pay, so check your plan documents.
- If you cannot afford your premium, you may be able to change your plan, request a payment plan, or look into subsidies if you bought through the marketplace.
How to Access Anthem Bill Pay Online
Log into your Anthem member account at anthem.com or through the Anthem mobile app. Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Billing," "Payments," or "Pay My Bill"—the exact name varies by plan type. Click on it and you will see your current balance, due date, and payment history.
From there, you can enter your bank account information to pay by ACH (which usually takes one to two business days to process) or use a debit card. Anthem will show you a confirmation number once the payment goes through. Save or print this confirmation—it proves you paid and when.
If you cannot find the payment section or your login is not working, call the customer service number on the back of your Anthem card. They can walk you through the steps or take your payment over the phone.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
Automatic payments mean Anthem withdraws your premium from your bank account on the same day each month, usually a few days before the due date. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and losing coverage. To set this up, go to the billing section of your online account and look for "Autopay," "Automatic Payment," or "Recurring Payment."
You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number (found on the bottom left of a check). Anthem will ask you to confirm the amount and the date the payment should come out each month. Once it is set, the payment happens without you having to do anything.
You can cancel autopay at any time by logging back into your account or calling customer service. If you cancel, you go back to paying manually, so mark your calendar with the due date or you risk a late payment.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Anthem will usually send you a notice. Most plans include a grace period—a window of time (usually 30 days) during which you can still pay without losing coverage. However, grace periods vary: some employer plans have them, some marketplace plans do not, and some depend on whether you receive a subsidy.
Call Anthem as soon as you realize you have missed a payment. Ask specifically whether your plan has a grace period and how many days you have left. If you pay during the grace period, your coverage stays active. If you do not pay by the end of the grace period, Anthem will cancel your plan, and you will lose coverage.
Once coverage is cancelled, you cannot simply pay the back premium to restart it. You will have to re-enroll in a plan, which may take several weeks. If you bought through the marketplace, you can only re-enroll during open enrollment (usually November through January) unless you have a may have access to life event.
Payment Methods and Processing Times
Anthem accepts payment in three main ways. ACH (bank account transfer) is the fastest and cheapest—it usually clears in one to two business days and has no fee. Debit or credit card can be done online or by phone and processes the same day, but Anthem may charge a fee (usually $2 to $5). Check by mail takes seven to ten business days, so mail it at least two weeks before the due date to be safe.
When you pay, note the confirmation number or receipt. If Anthem later says they did not receive your payment, you will need proof that you sent it. Keep records for at least one year.
If You Cannot Afford Your Premium
If your premium is too high, you have options before you miss a payment. If you bought through the marketplace (healthcare.gov or your state exchange), you may be able to request a subsidy or tax credit that lowers your monthly cost. You can also switch to a cheaper plan during open enrollment or if you have a may have access to event (job loss, move, birth, marriage, etc.).
If you have an employer plan, talk to your HR or benefits department about whether you can switch plans or whether the company offers hardship assistance. Some employers have emergency funds or can adjust your paycheck deduction.
If neither of those works, contact Anthem directly and ask whether they offer a payment plan—some do, though this is not may provide. Be honest about your situation; they may have options you do not know about.
Marketplace Plans and Subsidies
If you bought your Anthem plan through the marketplace and receive a premium tax credit (a subsidy that lowers your monthly bill), the credit is paid directly to Anthem on your behalf. You only pay the difference between the full premium and the credit amount. If you do not report a change in income or household size, your credit amount may be wrong, and you could owe money back at tax time.
If your income drops, you can update your information on healthcare.gov or your state exchange and request a higher credit, which lowers your monthly payment. If your income rises, your credit may decrease. Reporting changes quickly keeps your bill accurate and prevents surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Anthem bill by phone?
Yes. Call the customer service number on the back of your Anthem card and tell them you want to pay your premium. They will ask for a debit or credit card number and process the payment over the phone. It usually posts the same day. You will receive a confirmation number.
What if I pay late but before the grace period ends?
Your coverage will stay active as long as you pay within the grace period. However, some plans charge a late fee. Check your plan documents or call Anthem to confirm whether a fee applies and how much it is.
Do I have to use autopay?
No. Autopay is optional. You can pay manually each month by logging into your account or calling customer service. The downside is that you have to remember the due date every month, and one missed payment can end your coverage.
What if I move and my billing address changes?
Update your address in your Anthem account online or by calling customer service. If you are mailing a check, use the new address Anthem gives you. If you are paying online or by phone, the address change does not affect payment processing.
Can I get my coverage back after Anthem cancels it for non-payment?
Not automatically. You will have to re-enroll in a plan. If you have an employer plan, contact your HR department. If you have a marketplace plan, you can only enroll during open enrollment (November through January) unless you have a may have access to life event like job loss or a move.