Categories
Review 2026
BestGuide Score
4.2
out of 5
Anthem earns an Expert Score of 4.2/5.0 from BestGuide, driven by its expansive provider network and diverse plan options. The company, which is part of Elevance Health, serves over 47 million members within its health plans across 14 states. Its highest-scoring criterion is Services (90%), but it is held back by below-average scores in Customer Satisfaction (75%).
Anthem earns an Expert Score of 4.2 out of 5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a major player in the health insurance market, especially for those who prioritize a large choice of doctors and hospitals. As the largest for-profit managed health care company within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Anthem provides access to a significant provider network in the 14 states it serves. Our Anthem review found its strengths in its wide variety of health insurance plans, including PPO, HMO, and comprehensive Medicare options.
While many Anthem reviews praise its coverage scope, BestGuide’s analysis also found a pattern of customer service challenges and a high volume of complaints relative to its size. This suggests a trade-off for prospective members: you gain access to a premier network, but may face administrative hurdles. The company’s corporate parent is now Elevance Health, a detail that reflects its scale in the U.S. healthcare system.
For those looking for private health insurance, it’s critical to weigh network size against service quality. Compare Anthem with other top-rated health insurance companies to see how it stacks up on metrics like cost and member satisfaction.
Getting started with an Anthem health insurance plan involves a few key steps, primarily centered around enrollment periods and plan selection. The process is designed to guide individuals and families through the federal or state health insurance marketplace, as well as direct enrollment for those seeking plans outside the marketplace, such as Medicare Advantage.
Prospective members can get a quote directly from the Anthem website. The process requires providing your ZIP code, age, and estimated household income to see available plans and potential subsidies. Anthem offers plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, each with different premium and cost-sharing structures.
Enrollment for most individual and family plans is restricted to the annual Open Enrollment period. For 2026 coverage, the open enrollment for health insurance runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, in most states. Special Enrollment Periods are available for those who experience qualifying life events, such as losing other health coverage, getting married, or having a baby, allowing enrollment outside of this window.
Once enrolled, members manage their plans through Anthem’s digital portal and the Sydney Health mobile app. These tools allow you to find in-network doctors, view claims, check deductible progress, and access a digital ID card. According to company materials, members can also access 24/7 telehealth services for virtual care consultations, a feature included in most plans.
Anthem is best suited for individuals and families living in one of the 14 states it services who prioritize access to a large, established network of doctors and hospitals. If your primary concern is having a wide choice of PPO or HMO providers and you value the stability of a major insurer, Anthem is a strong contender. It is also a good fit for those eligible for Medicare Advantage, as it offers a rich variety of plans with extra benefits.
However, Anthem is not ideal for consumers who place the highest premium on customer service. Based on BestGuide’s analysis of complaint data and member feedback, those who expect seamless claims processing and responsive support may find other health insurance companies to be a better fit.
Anthem’s offerings are distinguished by a few key features that cater to a broad range of healthcare needs. These elements set it apart from smaller or more specialized health insurance companies.
Expansive Provider Network: As part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Anthem provides members access to one of the largest provider networks in the states it serves. This network includes a high percentage of hospitals and specialists, reducing the likelihood of encountering out-of-network care costs for PPO plan members.
Integrated Specialty Benefits: Anthem makes it simple to add dental, vision, and life insurance coverage to a health plan. This bundling can simplify administration and, in some cases, offer cost savings. This is a significant advantage over insurers that do not offer integrated ancillary products.
Diverse Medicare Advantage Plans: Anthem is a major provider of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Many of these plans have a $0 monthly premium and include prescription drug coverage (Part D) along with extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, and hearing aid allowances.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong Financial Stability: The company holds high ratings from A.M. Best, indicating a superior ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. | High Complaint Volume: State regulatory bodies and consumer sites report a high number of complaints related to claims denials and customer service. |
| Wide Range of Health Plans: Offers PPO, HMO, ACA marketplace, and Medicare Advantage plans, covering a wide spectrum of needs. | Below-Average Satisfaction: In our analysis, customer satisfaction scores lag behind the industry average for health insurance companies. |
| Large Provider Network: Access to the extensive Blue Cross Blue Shield network provides significant choice in doctors and hospitals in its 14-state service area. | Past Data Breach: Suffered a major cyberattack in 2015 that exposed the data of nearly 79 million people, raising historical security concerns. |
Yes, Anthem is a legitimate and one of the largest health insurers in the United States. The company was formed in 2004 through a merger of Anthem, Inc. and WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and now operates under the corporate name Elevance Health. It serves over 47 million members through its family of health plans and is a publicly traded company (NYSE: ELV).
Anthem’s legitimacy is further confirmed by its licensure to sell health insurance in the 14 states where it operates. It is regulated by state insurance departments and must comply with federal laws, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The company holds a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) from A.M. Best, a key indicator of its ability to pay claims.
It is important to acknowledge that the company experienced a significant data breach in 2015. While Anthem has since invested heavily in cybersecurity, this historical event remains a factor in its corporate reputation. Despite this, its scale and regulatory standing confirm its status as a major, legitimate insurer.
Anthem earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.2 out of 5.0. This score is the result of a comprehensive analysis by our expert panel, which evaluates health insurance companies on five core criteria. The final score reflects a company with significant strengths but also notable areas for improvement.
The score is an average of the following weighted criteria:
Anthem’s strongest performance is in Services (90%), a reflection of its diverse portfolio of PPO, HMO, ACA, and Medicare plans. Its lowest score is in Customer Satisfaction (75%), which aligns with external data showing a high volume of member complaints regarding claims and support. This overall score of 4.2 places Anthem slightly above the industry average of 4.1 for major health insurance providers we’ve reviewed.
The cost of an Anthem health insurance plan varies significantly based on several factors, including your age, location, tobacco use, plan category (metal tier), and household income. For those purchasing on the health insurance marketplace, federal subsidies can substantially lower the monthly premium for eligible individuals, making it a more affordable health insurance option.
For example, a 40-year-old non-smoker in a mid-cost-of-living area might expect to pay between $350 and $600 per month for a mid-tier Silver PPO plan before any subsidies are applied. Bronze plans will have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans will cost more per month in exchange for lower out-of-pocket costs when you receive care. Anthem’s rates are generally competitive with other large carriers like Cigna and UnitedHealthcare, but can be higher or lower depending on the specific state and county.
Anthem earns an Expert Score of 4.2/5.0, cementing its status as a formidable choice for private health insurance, particularly for those who prioritize network size. Its integration with the Blue Cross Blue Shield network gives members access to an extensive list of doctors and hospitals across 14 states. The company’s diverse plan offerings, from ACA marketplace plans to robust Medicare Advantage options, is a primary strength that scored 90% in our analysis.
However, this Anthem review must also highlight its significant weakness in customer satisfaction. The company’s 75% score in this category is a direct result of high complaint volumes and documented issues with claims processing and member support. For many consumers, this is a critical flaw. When considering all Anthem reviews, the consensus is clear: the value of Anthem depends entirely on your priorities. If you need a PPO with maximum provider choice and can tolerate potential administrative issues, Anthem is a solid option. If you value responsive service above all, you should explore other carriers.
See our full Buyers Guide for the best health insurance companies before making your decision.
What do experts say about Anthem?
Experts, including the BestGuide review panel, rate Anthem as a strong but mixed option. It earns an Expert Score of 4.2/5.0, with high marks for its vast provider network and plan variety (Services score of 90%). However, experts also note its significant challenges with customer satisfaction, which scored a lower 75% in our analysis.
Is Anthem worth it in 2026?
Whether Anthem is worth it in 2026 depends on your priorities. If you need access to the large Blue Cross Blue Shield network and a wide choice of plan types, it is a very strong contender. If your top priority is excellent customer service and low complaint rates, you may find better value with other health insurance companies.
How does Anthem compare to other health insurance companies?
Anthem is comparable to other large national insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Cigna in terms of network size and plan offerings. It often has a larger PPO network in the 14 states it serves. However, it typically lags behind competitors like Kaiser Permanente in member satisfaction ratings.
When is open enrollment for health insurance 2026?
For most states using the federal HealthCare.gov platform, open enrollment for 2026 health insurance plans runs from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. Some states with their own marketplaces may have slightly different dates.
What types of health insurance plans does Anthem offer?
Anthem offers a wide variety of health insurance plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. They also provide ACA marketplace plans, short-term health insurance, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans.
Is Anthem the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Anthem is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. It is the largest for-profit member company within the BCBS system, operating in 14 states. This means that while it uses the BCBS brand and network, it is its own distinct corporate entity, now under the parent company Elevance Health.
How do I file a complaint with Anthem?
To file a complaint, you should first contact Anthem’s member services using the number on your insurance card to try and resolve the issue directly. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can file a formal grievance or appeal through their internal process. You also have the right to file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance, which regulates health insurance companies.
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