Anthem Blue Cross Update

To Our Community,

We want to share important news that may affect some patients next year. Anthem Blue Cross has notified Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula that they intend to end our long standing contract on January 31, 2026. This decision was made solely by Anthem and not by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula or Montage Health. While we are working hard to reach a fair agreement, there is a possibility Anthem may choose not to continue our partnership.

Montage Health and Community Hospital are committed to the well-being of all Monterey County residents. We are concerned that Anthem’s decision limits convenient access to care for some of our community members and disrupts long standing relationships between patients and their doctors. We are actively advocating for uninterrupted access to the high-quality care you expect from us.

What this means right now

  • Nothing changes today. Community Hospital remains in network for Anthem members.
  • Emergency care will always be available, regardless of insurance changes.
  • Many Montage Health services — including Montage Medical Group, Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, and Montage Urgent Care — will remain in network even if the hospital contract ends.
  • We will provide clear updates well before any changes take effect.

How you can advocate for your care
In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out directly to Anthem Blue Cross to check your coverage, file a grievance through member services at Anthem, and file a complaint against Anthem Blue Cross with the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC).

Our commitment to you
Your access to care close to home remains our top priority. Community Hospital continues to reach out and communicate with Anthem to resolve outstanding issues with the hope we can reach amicable terms and avoid termination. 

Thank you for trusting us with your care.

Frequently asked questions

Which Anthem Blue Cross health plans are affected? 

If Anthem Blue Cross moves forward with terminating the contract, this change will affect Anthem Blue Cross members across multiple plan types, including: 

  • All Anthem Blue Cross self-insured employer-sponsored individual plans 

  • Anthem Prudent Buyer, PPO, EPO, POS plans

  • Anthem HMO plans 

  • All Anthem Blue Cross plans purchased through Covered California 

When does the current agreement end? 

Our agreement with Anthem Blue Cross will end on January 31, 2026, unless Anthem Blue Cross decides to reverse or extend their decision. Patients can continue receiving care as usual until that date. Starting February 1, Anthem Blue Cross members may have to pay out-of-network costs or cover the full cost of care out-of-pocket. 

Which providers and facilities are affected? 

All Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula facilities including:

  • Hospital (except Emergency services)
  • Behavioral Health, including Ohana
  • Carol Hatton Breast Care Center
  • Outpatient services including diabetes/nutrition, rehabilitation, laboratory, and imaging
  • Ohana
  • Tyler Heart cardiac imaging and cardiopulmonary wellness
  • Westland House
  • Sleep Disorders Center

Will my Medicare Advantage Plan be affected by this change?

Members of the Anthem PPO Medicare Advantage plan should contact Anthem member services (on the back of your card) to inquire about covered services at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Members of Aspire Health’s Medicare Advantage HMO plan are not affected by this termination.

Will my care be covered at Montage Medical Group, Montage Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, and MoGo Urgent Care locations? 

At this time these entities are considered in network, however Anthem has sent termination notices to some providers providing care at CHOMP facilities.

Will this affect Blue Shield members? 

No. Blue Shield is a separate organization from Anthem Blue Cross. Blue Shield members are not impacted by this change. 

What can I do to protect my in-network access to Community Hospital? 

  • Call or email Anthem Blue Cross using the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for member services. Let them know uninterrupted access to Community Hospital matters to you and file a grievance if Anthem Blue Cross fails to authorize or denies services at Community Hospital and its affiliates. 
  • Contact your employer’s HR or benefits team if you receive insurance through work. Share that you expect your plan to include in-network access to Community Hospital and its affiliates. 
  • File a complaint against Anthem Blue Cross with the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC). 

What if I’m in the hospital when the contract ends? 

Patients admitted before February 1, 2026, will be covered at in-network rates through the end of their inpatient stay. 

What if I am pregnant or receiving treatment for a special condition after January 31, 2026? 

Certain patients — including those who are hospitalized, pregnant, or undergoing active treatment — may qualify for Continuity of Care through Anthem Blue Cross. Community Hospital providers will help patients complete the necessary forms. Anthem Blue Cross will make the final determination on eligibility. For more information, contact Anthem Blue Cross using the number on your insurance card or visit the California Department of Managed Health Care. 

What if I have an emergency after January 31, 2026?  

For a medical emergency, go to the nearest emergency department. All health plans are required to cover emergency services until a patient is stabilized under state and federal law. Members are encouraged to contact their insurance once stabilized to determine coverage for future care.