Member News
Network Status Update: Stanford Health Care
June 02, 2025
Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) and Stanford Health Care (Stanford) are actively engaged in mutual contract negotiations, as the current facility and professional contract agreements are set to expire on September 1, 2025. These discussions are a standard, normal and routine part of the health care industry and something we take very seriously.
Anthem and Stanford have a long history of partnership, and we recognize that having in-network access to their local hospitals and doctors is important to our members and customers. Through honest and transparent negotiations, we aim to reach agreement on a new contract that focuses on confronting the escalating costs of health care in Northern California and provide Anthem members and customers with continued access to superior care at Stanford hospitals and doctors.
It is important to note that as these negotiations continue, Anthem members continue to enjoy in-network access to Stanford hospitals and doctors.
FAQs
Q: What does this mean for Anthem members?
A: There is no current impact to Anthem members who have in-network access to Stanford hospitals and doctors. As a long-time trusted health partner, we are committed to keeping your health care costs affordable, sustainable and ensuring continued access to quality care at Stanford Health.
Q: Why are Anthem Blue Cross and Stanford Health renegotiating a new contract?
A: The current contract agreements between Anthem and Stanford are set to expire on September 1, 2025. Both Anthem and Stanford leadership have expressed interest in negotiating a new contract and are currently engaged in active negotiations.
Q: What are Anthem and Stanford talking about in your discussions?
A: These contract discussions are a standard, normal and routine part of what we do. Discussions are broad and include both financial and non-financial elements, including updating contract terms. We firmly believe all Anthem members deserve high-quality health care and affordable, predictable costs. It is our goal to reach an agreement that achieves that – providing predictability for members and employer groups – while also ensuring costs remain affordable and we’re paying care providers fairly.
Q: What if a new agreement is not reached before September 1?
A: If a new agreement is not reached before September 1, 2025, Stanford hospitals and doctors will be considered out-of-network for Anthem members seeking non-emergency care. Anthem members would continue to have uninterrupted access to high-quality, affordable care in their local community -- enjoying access to one of the broadest care networks in the Bay Area.
Note that emergency care would not be impacted. Anthem members could still utilize Stanford hospitals for emergency services as emergency care is always considered in-network no matter where the care is provided.
Q: What if a member is going through a current course of treatment at Stanford Health?
A: Anthem provides members with a Continuity of Care program that helps eligible members remain under the care of a current provider when a network disruption in specific situations. Members currently in a course of treatment for certain serious and complex conditions may continue to receive in-network access to Stanford Health. Members or their doctors may submit requests for Continuity of Care by contacting Anthem.
Staying Informed
For the most up-to-date information continue to refer to this site. Anthem members who have questions or need assistance can call the toll-free member number listed on their Anthem member ID card.
