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Anthem Blue Cross Health Insurance Through Covered California

Trusted National Brand with Flexible PPO and HMO Options

Broad PPO Network
Provider flexibility
Blue Cross Brand
National reputation
24/7 Telehealth
Virtual care access
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Why Choose Anthem Blue Cross?

Anthem Blue Cross is one of California's largest health insurers, offering both PPO and HMO plans with extensive provider networks and comprehensive coverage.

PPO Flexibility

Anthem offers both PPO and HMO plans, giving you the choice between network flexibility and lower costs. PPO plans let you see any doctor without referrals, including out-of-network providers at a higher cost.

Extensive Provider Network

Access thousands of doctors, specialists, and hospitals across California. Anthem's broad network includes many of the state's top-rated medical facilities and healthcare providers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Network

As part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Anthem members get access to care nationwide. Perfect for frequent travelers or those with family out of state.

Sydney Health App

Anthem's award-winning mobile app helps you find doctors, compare care costs, view claims, and access your digital ID card—all in one convenient place.

LiveHealth Online

Get 24/7 access to board-certified doctors via video visits on your phone or computer. Great for urgent care needs, minor illnesses, and prescription refills.

Established Reputation

Anthem has served California for decades, offering stability, experience, and a proven track record in healthcare coverage and customer service.

Anthem Plans Available Through Covered California

Anthem offers plans in all four metal tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—with both PPO and HMO options in most areas. Choose the combination that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

PPO vs HMO: PPO plans offer more flexibility to see any provider, while HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums and require you to choose a primary care doctor.
Metal Tier Coverage Level Best For Plan Types Available
Bronze 60% coverage Healthy individuals, emergency protection HMO, PPO, EPO
Silver 70% coverage Most popular, balanced costs, CSR eligible HMO, PPO, EPO
Gold 80% coverage Frequent care needs, predictable costs HMO, PPO
Platinum 90% coverage Maximum coverage, chronic conditions HMO, PPO

All Anthem plans include:

  • Preventive care at no cost
  • Essential health benefits
  • No lifetime or annual dollar limits
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Mental health and substance abuse services
  • Maternity and newborn care
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Anthem's California Network

Anthem Blue Cross maintains one of California's largest provider networks, with comprehensive coverage across all regions.

60,000+
Network Providers
400+
Hospitals
58
Counties Served

Statewide Coverage:

  • Los Angeles Region: Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Health, USC Medical Center, Providence, Dignity Health
  • San Francisco Bay Area: Stanford Health Care, UCSF Medical Center, Sutter Health, John Muir Health
  • San Diego: Scripps Health, UC San Diego Health, Sharp HealthCare
  • Sacramento/Central Valley: UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Health, Dignity Health
  • Inland Empire: Loma Linda University Health, Riverside University Health System
Nationwide Access: Through the BlueCard program, Anthem members can access care at any Blue Cross Blue Shield facility nationwide—over 96% of hospitals and 90% of doctors across the US.
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Member Benefits & Digital Tools

Anthem provides comprehensive tools and programs to help you manage your health and get the most from your coverage.

Sydney Health App

  • Find doctors and compare quality ratings
  • Estimate care costs before you go
  • Access digital ID card instantly
  • View claims and EOBs
  • Track deductibles and out-of-pocket costs

LiveHealth Online

  • 24/7 access to doctors via video
  • Urgent care, cold/flu, infections
  • Dermatology and psychology visits
  • Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy
  • Low copays, often $0 for preventive

Wellness Programs

  • Future Moms maternity program
  • 24/7 NurseLine for health questions
  • Condition management (diabetes, asthma)
  • Fitness discounts and gym memberships
  • Mental health and EAP resources

Prescription Benefits

  • Mail-order pharmacy for 90-day supplies
  • Extensive retail pharmacy network
  • Generic drug cost savings
  • Specialty pharmacy for complex meds
  • Prescription cost estimator tool

How to Enroll in Anthem Blue Cross

1

Check Eligibility & Get a Quote

Use our free quote calculator to see Anthem plan options, compare costs, and find out if you qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.

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2

Compare Anthem Plans

Review Anthem's PPO and HMO options across different metal tiers. Consider monthly premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and prescription drug coverage.

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3

Enroll During Open Enrollment

Sign up during Open Enrollment (November 1 - January 31) or if you qualify for Special Enrollment due to a qualifying life event like job loss or having a baby.

4

Choose Your Doctors

If you select an HMO plan, you'll choose a primary care physician. For PPO plans, you have flexibility to see any in-network provider without referrals.

Zero Broker Fees - Lowest Premiums Guaranteed

When you enroll through CoverHealthCA.com, you get the exact same Anthem rates (often lower) as buying directly, with no broker fees or hidden charges. Plus, our licensed agents provide free expert guidance.

Need Help Enrolling?

Our certified enrollment counselors can help you compare Anthem plans with other carriers, answer questions, and complete your application at no cost.

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Frequently Asked Questions

PPO plans offer more flexibility—you can see any provider without referrals and have out-of-network coverage (at higher costs). HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums and require you to choose a primary care doctor who coordinates your care and provides referrals to specialists. Both plan types provide comprehensive coverage; the choice depends on your preference for flexibility vs. cost savings.

Yes! Anthem is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which means you have access to providers nationwide through the BlueCard program. Emergency care is covered anywhere, and you can get routine care at Blue Cross Blue Shield facilities across the country. This is especially valuable for frequent travelers or snowbirds.

LiveHealth Online is Anthem's 24/7 telehealth service where you can video chat with board-certified doctors from your phone or computer. You can get treatment for urgent care issues, minor illnesses, prescriptions, and even see a psychologist or dermatologist. Copays vary by plan but are typically much lower than in-person urgent care visits, and some preventive visits are free.

Costs depend on your age, location, household income, and the plan tier and type you choose. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums, while Platinum plans have the highest. PPO plans typically cost more than HMO plans. Most Californians qualify for premium tax credits that significantly reduce monthly costs. Use our subsidy calculator to see your actual out-of-pocket costs.

It depends on whether your doctor is in Anthem's network. Anthem has one of the largest provider networks in California, so there's a good chance your doctor participates. Check the provider directory before enrolling. If your doctor isn't in-network, PPO plans allow out-of-network visits at a higher cost, or you can choose to switch to an in-network provider.

All Anthem Covered California plans include prescription drug coverage with a standard drug formulary. You can use retail pharmacies nationwide or save money with Anthem's mail-order pharmacy for 90-day supplies. Generic drugs typically have the lowest copays, with higher tiers for brand-name and specialty medications. Check your plan's formulary to see specific drug coverage.

Ready to Enroll in Anthem Blue Cross?

Get started with comparing plans, calculating your costs, or speaking with a certified enrollment counselor.