What Anthem Bill Pay is and how to use it
Anthem Bill Pay is the online payment system Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield uses to let you pay your health insurance premium through their website or mobile app. You log in to your Anthem account, enter your payment method, and submit the payment — it typically processes within one to three business days. This is the most direct way to pay if you have an Anthem health plan.
Anthem is one of the largest health insurers in the United States, operating under different brand names in different states (Blue Cross Blue Shield in many regions, Anthem in others, and regional names like Wellmark or Empire). Regardless of which Anthem brand covers you, the payment process works the same way through their online portal.
You do not need to set up anything special to use Bill Pay — if you have an active Anthem account and a valid payment method, you can pay when ready. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers, though fees may explore depending on your payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Anthem Bill Pay processes payments through your online account, and most payments clear within one to three business days.
- You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer, though credit card payments may carry a processing fee.
- Setting up automatic recurring payments through Anthem prevents missed payments and late fees.
- If you cannot log in to your account, you can call Anthem's customer service number on the back of your insurance card to make a payment by phone.
- Payments made after your due date may result in a late fee or a lapse in coverage, so confirm your due date before paying.
How to access Anthem Bill Pay online
Go to Anthem's website for your state or region — search "Anthem Blue Cross" or the specific brand name that appears on your insurance card. Click the login button and enter your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to create one using your member ID (found on your insurance card) and personal information like your date of birth.
Once logged in, look for a "Pay Bill," "Make a Payment," or "Billing" section — the exact label varies by state and plan type. Click it, and the system will show your current balance, due date, and payment history. Select the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method.
If you cannot find the payment option or your account will not load, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then logging in again. If the problem persists, call the customer service number on your insurance card — a representative can walk you through the process or take your payment over the phone.
Payment methods and processing times
Anthem accepts three main payment methods through Bill Pay: credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and electronic bank transfers (ACH). Credit card payments typically carry a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, though this varies by state and plan. Debit card payments usually have a smaller fee or no fee. Bank transfers (ACH) are often free or have a minimal fee.
Processing time depends on your method. Credit and debit card payments typically clear within one to three business days. Bank transfers may take two to five business days. Do not assume the payment is complete until Anthem sends you a confirmation email or you see it reflected in your account balance.
If you need to pay by a specific date to avoid a late fee, pay at least three to five business days before your due date to account for processing time. Payments submitted on a weekend or holiday will not process until the next business day.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments (also called autopay or recurring payments) deduct your premium from your chosen payment method on the same date each month or billing cycle. To set this up, log into your Anthem account, find the autopay or recurring payment section, and enter your payment method and preferred payment date. You can usually choose to pay on a date that works with your paycheck schedule.
Autopay prevents missed payments and the late fees or coverage lapses that come with them. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account settings — Anthem will not charge you without your permission, and you can modify the amount or payment method if your premium changes.
If you set up autopay and your payment method expires (for example, your debit card is replaced), Anthem will typically send you a notice asking you to update it. If you do not update it in time, the payment will fail and you may owe a late fee.
What to do if your payment fails or is declined
If your payment is declined, Anthem will send you a notice explaining why — usually because the card was declined by your bank, the card has expired, or there are insufficient funds. Log back into your account and try again with a different payment method, or call customer service to discuss the issue.
A failed payment does not when ready end your coverage, but if you do not pay within a grace period (usually 30 days after your due date, though this varies by plan and state), your coverage may lapse. Once coverage lapses, you will need to contact Anthem to reinstate it, and there may be a waiting period before coverage resumes.
If you are having trouble paying because of financial hardship, contact Anthem's customer service to ask about payment plans or hardship programs. Some plans offer the option to spread a payment over two or three months, though this is not may provide.
Paying by phone or mail if you cannot use online Bill Pay
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can pay by phone. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and tell the representative you want to make a payment. Have your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account information) ready. Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments and typically clear within one to three business days.
You can also pay by mail. Write a check or money order payable to Anthem, include your member ID on the check, and mail it to the address shown on your bill or in your online account. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to ten business days — so mail your payment well before your due date.
Some employers or group plans also allow you to pay through payroll deduction if your premium is deducted from your paycheck. Ask your employer's benefits administrator whether this option is available for your plan.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If you cannot log into your Anthem account, click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the prompts to reset your credentials. Anthem will send a link to your email address on file. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or try again after a few minutes.
If your payment shows as pending for more than five business days, log into your account and check your payment history. If it still shows as pending, call customer service to confirm whether the payment went through. Sometimes a payment will process but not update in the system when ready.
If you paid on time but received a late notice, contact Anthem right away with proof of your payment (a confirmation number or screenshot). Late fees are sometimes reversed if you can show the payment was submitted before the due date, even if it had not yet cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Anthem bill without creating an online account?
Yes. You can pay by phone using the number on your insurance card or by mailing a check to the address on your bill. You do not need an online account, though having one makes it easier to track your payment history and set up automatic payments.
What happens if I pay late?
Late fees vary by plan and state, but typically range from $10 to $25 or more. If you pay after a grace period (usually 30 days), your coverage may lapse. Once coverage lapses, you will need to contact Anthem to reinstate it, and there may be a waiting period.
Can I pay someone else's Anthem bill?
You can pay if you have the member's ID and account access, or if you call customer service and provide the member's information. Some plans allow a spouse or family member to be added as an authorized payer on the account.
Is there a fee to pay my bill online?
Credit card payments usually carry a 2 to 3 percent processing fee. Debit card and bank transfer payments may be free or have a smaller fee. Check your payment confirmation for the exact fee before submitting.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Anthem sends a confirmation email after you submit a payment online. You can also log into your account and check your payment history. Payments typically show as "pending" for one to three business days, then update to "paid" once they clear.