Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield denied claim appeal
Anthem BCBS · updated for 2026
Appeal in 4 steps
- 1Read the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield denial letter (EOB) and identify the cited medical policy.
- 2Request the full clinical policy bulletin from Anthem BCBS; ERISA plans must provide it free of charge.
- 3Gather office notes, imaging, prior therapy history, and a letter of medical necessity from your treating physician.
- 4Submit the appeal in writing to the address on the denial letter, by certified mail and through anthem.com if available, within 180 days.
Key facts
| Internal appeal window | 180 days from denial |
|---|---|
| External review window | 120 days after final internal denial |
| Expedited appeal | Decision within 72 hours |
| Appeals address | Anthem Grievances and Appeals, P.O. Box 105568, Atlanta, GA 30348 |
| Phone | Member services number on back of ID card |
| Member portal | anthem.com |
Address and member services line vary by state plan. Confirm the appeals address on your denial letter (the EOB) before mailing.
Upload the denial letter. Get the cited policy identified, the evidence checklist, and a finished appeal letter you can sign.
Common Anthem BCBS denial reasons
- Lack of medical necessity
- Prior authorization required
- Service not covered under plan
- Out of network
- Coding or billing error
Evidence checklist
- ✓Denial letter (EOB)
- ✓Member ID and claim number
- ✓Treating physician letter of medical necessity
- ✓Office notes from the last 12 months
- ✓Imaging or lab reports
- ✓Anthem BCBS clinical policy bulletin (cited in denial)
- ✓Prior therapy history
- ✓Specialty guideline citation
FAQ
How long do I have to appeal a Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield denial?+
180 days from the date of the denial to file an internal appeal. Expedited (urgent) appeals must be decided within 72 hours.
Where do I send a Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield appeal?+
Use the address on your denial letter (the EOB). Addresses vary by plan and region; the denial letter is authoritative.
Can I appeal a Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield denial without a lawyer?+
Yes. Most internal appeals are filed by the member or the treating physician. The appeal should cite the insurer's clinical policy and include a letter of medical necessity.
What happens after the internal appeal?+
If the final internal appeal is denied, you have 120 days to request external review by an Independent Review Organization. External review is binding on the insurer.