Scripps Health and Anthem Blue Cross Contract Expired
The network change impacts Anthem Priority and CalPERS Select HMO plan members in San Diego.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Healthcare
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Scripps Health and Anthem Blue Cross ended their contract agreement on September 30, 2026. As a result, many Anthem HMO plan holders in San Diego have lost in-network access to Scripps physicians.
Why it matters
The expiration of this contract disrupts established care networks for local patients, forcing thousands of residents to re-evaluate their coverage during a critical time for healthcare planning.
Patients with surgeries scheduled within 180 days of the network change may be eligible for continuity of care coverage. Specific provisions also apply to newborns under three years of age.
The players
Scripps Health
A private, nonprofit healthcare system based in San Diego that provides comprehensive medical services to the local community.
Anthem Blue Cross
A major health insurance provider that operates extensive networks across California for employer-sponsored and individual plans.
The details
In-network coverage for non-emergency services at Scripps officially ended on October 1, 2026, though a temporary grace period is in effect through December 31, 2026. Anthem is required to offer continuity of care for patients with terminal illnesses, pregnancy, or serious chronic conditions.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The contract extension between Scripps and Anthem expired.
October 1, 2026: In-network coverage for non-emergency Scripps services ended.
October 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026: A temporary grace period is available for affected patients.
October 15, 2026 - December 7, 2026: Medicare annual enrollment period takes place.
January 1, 2027: United Healthcare HMO departs the UC San Diego Health network.
Market Landscape
This split follows the California Department of Managed Health Care continuity of care requirements, which mandates protections for patients during insurance network transitions. It reflects broader industry trends where healthcare systems and insurers increasingly struggle to align on reimbursement rates.
Impacted members must verify their physician status immediately or seek alternative providers to avoid unexpected out-of-network costs. Patients with ongoing procedures should consult their insurer regarding their eligibility for the 180-day continuity of care period.
The takeaway
Patients should verify their provider network status well before their next scheduled appointment to avoid coverage gaps. Those with specific medical conditions should contact their insurer promptly to secure continuity of care documentation.
What happens next
Medicare annual enrollment is scheduled from October 15, 2026, through December 7, 2026, providing a window for impacted seniors to change coverage. Additionally, United Healthcare HMO will leave the UC San Diego Health network on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the local medical landscape, see San Diego Healthcare.
More information
To explore alternative coverage options during the enrollment window, visit the Medicare coverage plans portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSWB 5/69.
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