Anthem's online bill pay system lets you make one-time payments or set up automatic recurring payments from your bank account or debit card
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield operates separate regional plans, so the exact steps and payment methods available depend on which Anthem plan you have — whether that's Anthem in California, Anthem Blue Cross in Colorado, or another regional subsidiary. The core process is the same: log into your member account on Anthem's website, find the bill pay section, and either pay immediately or schedule a payment for a future date.
You can pay with a checking or savings account (electronic bank transfer), a debit card, or a credit card. Payments typically post within one to three business days. If you set up automatic payments, Anthem will deduct your premium on the date you choose each month, as long as your account information stays current.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Anthem member account at your regional Anthem website to access bill pay; the web address varies by state and plan type.
- You can make a one-time payment immediately or schedule a payment for a specific future date without setting up recurring automatic payments.
- Automatic payments deduct from your bank account or debit card on the date you select each month, and you can change or cancel them anytime through your account.
- If your payment fails — usually because of insufficient funds or outdated account information — Anthem will send you a notice, and your coverage may be suspended if the premium is not paid within the grace period.
- Payments made online do not appear as "paid in full" instantly; allow one to three business days for the transaction to clear and show on your account.
Finding your Anthem bill pay page
Start by going to your regional Anthem website. Anthem operates under different names in different states: Anthem Blue Cross in California, Colorado, and Indiana; Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, and Virginia; Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York; and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Iowa and South Dakota. If you are unsure which regional plan you have, check your insurance card or your enrollment paperwork.
Once you are on the correct website, log in with your member ID and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to create one. Anthem usually asks for your member ID (found on your insurance card), your date of birth, and a valid email address to set up access.
After logging in, look for a link labeled "Pay My Bill," "Make a Payment," "Billing," or "Account" — the exact wording varies by region. Some Anthem sites put this in the main navigation menu; others place it under a "My Account" or "Manage My Plan" section. If you cannot find it, use the site search function or call the customer service number on your insurance card.
Making a one-time payment
Once you reach the bill pay page, you will see your current balance and any past-due amount. Select the option to make a one-time payment. Anthem will ask you to enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or just the minimum due.
Next, choose your payment method. Most Anthem plans accept bank account transfers (you will need your routing number and account number), debit cards, and credit cards. Some regional plans also accept payment by phone or mail, though online is typically the fastest route. Enter the payment details and review the information for accuracy before submitting.
After you submit, Anthem will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The payment will post to your account within one to three business days. During that time, the money is deducted from your bank account or charged to your card, but your Anthem account may still show the balance as unpaid until the transaction fully clears.
Setting up automatic recurring payments
If you want Anthem to deduct your premium automatically each month, select the option for automatic or recurring payments on the bill pay page. You will choose the payment method (bank account or debit card), the amount to pay each month, and the date the payment should be taken — typically the date your premium is due.
Anthem will ask you to confirm the setup. Once you do, the automatic payment will begin on the date you selected. You will receive a confirmation email with the details. Keep this email for your records.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. Log back into the bill pay section, find the active automatic payment, and select the option to modify or stop it. Changes usually take effect within one to two business days. If you cancel automatic payments, you will need to make manual payments going forward, or your premium will fall behind.
What happens if a payment fails
If your bank account does not have enough funds, or if your debit or credit card is declined, Anthem will not process the payment. You will receive a notice by mail or email explaining why the payment failed. The amount will remain due on your account.
If you have automatic payments set up and one fails, Anthem will typically attempt to retry the payment one or more times over the next few days. If all attempts fail, you will need to make a manual payment or contact Anthem to update your payment method. Anthem usually gives you a grace period — typically 30 days from the due date — before suspending your coverage for non-payment, but this varies by plan and state.
To avoid failed payments, make sure your bank account has sufficient funds before the payment date, and update your card or account information if it changes. If you receive a notice that a payment failed, contact Anthem immediately to resolve it and prevent a lapse in coverage.
Tracking your payment history and account balance
Your Anthem member account shows your current balance, past-due amounts, and a history of payments you have made. Log in anytime to check this information. The payment history typically shows the date you made the payment, the amount, and the date it posted to your account.
If you set up automatic payments, your account will also display the next scheduled payment date and the amount. You can review this information to make sure the automatic payment is set up correctly and to catch any issues before they affect your coverage.
If you do not see a payment reflected in your account within three business days of making it, contact Anthem customer service. Provide your confirmation number from the payment, and they can look up the transaction and tell you when it will post.
Payment methods and fees
Anthem does not charge a fee for paying your premium online using a bank account transfer or debit card. If you pay with a credit card, some regional Anthem plans may charge a small processing fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount — though this varies by region and plan. Before you submit a credit card payment, check whether a fee applies; Anthem will usually disclose this on the payment confirmation screen.
Paying by phone or mail may have different fees or processing times. Online payment is usually the fastest and most cost-effective option. If you have questions about fees for your specific plan, call the number on your insurance card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Anthem premium with a credit card online?
Yes, most Anthem plans accept credit card payments online. However, some regional plans charge a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent when you use a credit card. Debit cards and bank account transfers typically have no fee. Check the payment confirmation screen before you submit to see if a fee applies to your payment method.
How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?
Anthem typically posts online payments within one to three business days. The money is deducted from your account or charged to your card immediately, but your Anthem balance may not update until the transaction fully clears. If it has been more than three business days, contact Anthem with your confirmation number.
What if I need to change my automatic payment date or amount?
Log into your Anthem member account, go to the bill pay section, and find your active automatic payment. Select the option to modify it, change the date or amount, and confirm the changes. The update usually takes effect within one to two business days. You can also cancel the automatic payment and set up a new one with different details.
Will my coverage be canceled if my online payment fails?
Anthem typically allows a grace period — usually 30 days from the due date — before canceling coverage for non-payment. If a payment fails, you will receive a notice. Contact Anthem immediately to make a manual payment or update your payment method. The exact grace period depends on your plan and state, so check your plan documents or call customer service for specifics.
Can I pay my Anthem bill by phone instead of online?
Yes, you can pay by phone by calling the customer service number on your insurance card. Phone payments may have different processing times or fees than online payments. Online is usually faster and does not require waiting on hold, but phone payment is an option if you prefer to speak with someone or do not have online access.