How to Cancel Anthem Health Insurance in 2026 (Now Elevance Health)
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield rebranded to Elevance Health in 2022, but your plan still says "Anthem" on the card. They operate as the BCBS licensee in 14 states. Here's how to cancel in each scenario.
⚡ Anthem States: CA, CO, CT, GA, IN, KY, ME, MO, NH, NV, NY, OH, VA, WI. If your BCBS card says "Anthem," this guide is for you. Other BCBS subsidiaries have different processes.
Cancel Anthem Employer Plan
Contact your HR department — not Anthem directly
Changes only during open enrollment or with a QLE (marriage, baby, job change, moving)
Leaving your job triggers COBRA eligibility (60-day election window)
Some employers allow mid-year plan changes if switching between employer-offered plans
Cancel Anthem Individual/Marketplace Plan
Healthcare.gov enrollment: Cancel through healthcare.gov → My Plans → End Coverage
Direct enrollment through Anthem: Call 1-855-596-3655
Sydney Health app: Some plans allow cancellation through the app under Account settings
Request end-of-month effective date
Get written confirmation — screenshot or email
Cancel Anthem Medicare Plans
Medicare Advantage: Disenroll during MAOEP (Jan 1-Mar 31) or AEP (Oct 15-Dec 7)
Medicare Supplement: Cancel anytime, but guaranteed issue rights may expire
Call: 1-855-817-5785 (Anthem Medicare)
Or call Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 to switch/disenroll
Anthem-Specific Issues
2015 data breach: Anthem's massive breach exposed 78.8 million records. If you were affected, your data is already compromised — identity monitoring may still be available.
CarelonRx (formerly IngenioRx): Anthem's PBM. Switching insurers may require transferring prescriptions to a new pharmacy network.
Network changes: Anthem has dropped major hospital systems in several states. Check your provider directory before renewal, not after.
Elevance confusion: Some customer service reps still say "Anthem," others say "Elevance." It's the same company. Use the number on your card.
Before You Cancel Checklist
✅ New coverage confirmed with start date
✅ All claims filed and processed
✅ Prescriptions checked on new formulary
✅ Doctors confirmed in-network on new plan
✅ Pre-authorizations for ongoing treatment documented
✅ FSA balance spent (HSA is yours to keep)
✅ EOBs downloaded for tax records
✅ Sydney Health app data exported if needed
Alternatives in Anthem States
Kaiser (CA, CO, GA, VA): Lower premiums, integrated care, no surprise billing
Oscar Health: Available in many Anthem states, tech-forward, included telemedicine
Ambetter/Centene: Often cheapest marketplace option (narrow network trade-off)
Cigna: Available in most Anthem states as competition
Healthcare.gov: Compare all plans with subsidy calculator before deciding
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