Where to pay your Anthem Blue Cross premium
Anthem Blue Cross offers several ways to pay your health insurance premium, and the method you choose affects when your payment posts and whether you can set it to happen automatically. You can pay online through your Anthem account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank withdrawals. The fastest way is usually online, where payments post within one to two business days. Automatic payments take the longest to set up but require no action each month.
Your bill arrives either by email or mail, depending on what you selected when you enrolled. The bill shows your premium amount, the due date, and your account number. If you cannot find your bill, you can log into your Anthem account at anthem.com and view it there. Your account also shows your payment history and lets you change your payment method without calling.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your Anthem account is the fastest method and posts within one to two business days.
- Automatic bank withdrawals require setup but eliminate the risk of missing a due date, though you should verify the amount each month.
- Phone payments and mail payments take longer to process and carry a higher risk of late payment if the due date is near.
- If your payment is late, Anthem may suspend your coverage, so contact them immediately if you miss a due date.
Paying online through your Anthem account
Log into your account at anthem.com using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one using your member ID, which appears on your insurance card. Once logged in, look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" in the account menu. You will enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account.
Online payments are processed immediately, though they may take one to two business days to post to your account. You can pay before the due date or on the due date itself. Anthem does not charge a fee for online payments made with a bank account, but some credit card processors may charge a small fee depending on your card issuer. Keep your confirmation number for your records.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. To set this up, log into your Anthem account and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" in the billing section. You will provide your bank account information and choose the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn. Most people choose the date their paycheck arrives or a few days after.
Once automatic payments are active, Anthem withdraws your premium on the date you selected. You should still check your account each month to confirm the correct amount was withdrawn, in case your premium changed. If you need to stop automatic payments, you can do so through your account or by calling Anthem customer service. Stopping automatic payments does not stop your coverage — you simply return to paying manually.
Paying by phone or mail
You can pay by phone by calling the customer service number on your insurance card or bill. A representative will take your payment information and process the payment over the phone. Phone payments are convenient if you do not have internet access, but they take longer to post — usually three to five business days. If your due date is within a few days, phone payment may not reach Anthem in time.
Mail payments should be sent to the address shown on your bill. Write your member ID on the check or money order. Mail typically takes five to ten business days to arrive, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment. Keep a copy of your check or the confirmation number if you paid by money order. If you are unsure whether your payment arrived, log into your account a week after mailing it to check your payment history.
What happens if your payment is late
Anthem considers a payment late if it is not received by the due date shown on your bill. A late payment does not immediately cancel your coverage, but Anthem may send you a notice and charge a late fee. If your payment is more than 30 days late, Anthem may suspend your coverage, meaning claims will not be paid and you will have no active insurance.
If you miss a due date, contact Anthem immediately. Call the number on your card and explain the situation. Many people can arrange a payment plan or get a brief extension if they contact Anthem before the suspension takes effect. Once coverage is suspended, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus any late fees to restore it. Reinstated coverage usually becomes active within one to two business days after payment is received.
Changing your payment method or due date
You can change how you pay or when you pay through your Anthem account at any time. Log in, go to your billing settings, and select "Update Payment Method" or "Change Due Date." If you want to move your due date to align with your paycheck, Anthem usually allows you to choose from several dates each month. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle, so plan ahead if you need the change to apply immediately.
If you cannot make a change online, call Anthem customer service. A representative can update your payment method or due date over the phone and confirm the change in writing. Keep a record of when you made the change so you know which due date applies to your next bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Anthem bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online or by phone. Anthem does not charge a fee, but your credit card company may charge a processing fee. Some people avoid credit card payments because they add to credit card debt, but it is an option if you need to pay immediately and do not have bank account access.
What if I pay too much by mistake?
If you overpay, Anthem will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling customer service, though it may take several weeks to process. Check your account after payment to confirm the amount posted correctly.
Do I need to pay if my employer covers part of my premium?
Yes, you pay your portion of the premium. Your employer may pay their portion directly to Anthem, but you are responsible for your employee contribution. Your bill shows only the amount you owe, not the full premium.
What if I cannot afford my premium this month?
Contact Anthem customer service to discuss your situation. Some plans offer payment plans or hardship options, though availability varies by plan type. You may also look into whether you may have access to for a subsidy or cost-sharing reduction through your state's health insurance marketplace.
How do I know if my online payment went through?
After you submit payment online, Anthem displays a confirmation number on your screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. Log back into your account within one to two business days to confirm the payment appears in your payment history. If it does not appear after two business days, call customer service with your confirmation number.