Beginning January 1, 2027, Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) HMO plans will no longer be available in Monterey County. Anthem and Aspire Health have been negotiating to renew the HMO contract but were unable to reach an agreement. Because Aspire Health is currently Anthem’s contracted medical group for HMO plans in Monterey County, Anthem will not be able to offer HMO plans in the county for 2027.
Impacted members were sent a detailed letter on Friday, October 2. The letter explains that members may need to move to another benefit plan effective January 1, 2027, regardless of their employer group’s Anthem renewal date. A Special Enrollment Period will be available so impacted members can select new coverage outside the group’s regular renewal period.
Please work with affected employer groups to support members through this transition. Members who live or work outside an impacted Monterey County ZIP code may be able to remain enrolled in an Anthem HMO plan by selecting a participating medical group and primary care physician. Members who live or work in an impacted Monterey County ZIP code will need to move to an alternative plan.
We can help explain the available benefit options and support impacted members through this transition. If you have any questions, please contact your Anthem Blue Cross representative.