Thousands of Anthem Blue Cross customers could lose in-network access to CHOMP by Feb. 1.

The text messages hit the phones of Anthem Blue Cross customers the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 22, announcing that the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula is scheduled to leave the insurance company's plan by Feb. 1, 2026, "unless the parties reach agreement."

A spokesperson for Montage, CHOMP's parent company, said in a statement that Anthem "unilaterally and unexpectedly" notified the hospital they intended to terminate the contract, which would force the hospital out of the network.

The impasse could leave thousands of customers on the Monterey Peninsula without in-network access to CHOMP.

"There may be exceptions if you are receiving care or scheduled to receive care with this provider," the text reads. "Eligibility for continued care depends on factors outlined in your health benefit plan."

It directs customers to find in-network care using the company's online search tool.

A statement from Mindy Maschmeyer, spokesperson for Montage, accused Anthem of raising premiums on customers while simultaneously providing hospitals with lower reimbursements.

"Across California, Anthem is leveraging its size and power to maximize profits while refusing to reimburse providers fairly for the cost and quality of care," she said.

"Anthem’s threat to terminate our contract jeopardizes access to essential services for thousands of families on the Monterey Peninsula. We believe that our patients deserve better. We remain committed to doing everything possible to protect patients from disruption.”

A statement from Anthem was not immediately available. 

There have been two other instances in the last two years when Anthem and a local health organization failed to come to an agreement, followed by a new contract.

In 2023, Anthem and Salinas Valley Health were at odds, affecting thousands of SVH patients for about four months, from August to the end of November, when the two sides agreed to a new contract.

An announcement at the time said the new contract was focused on lowering costs and increasing value for patients. 

Earlier this year, in February, about 2,600 county residents in the Aspire HMO plan—owned in partnership between Montage Health and SVH—were shocked to find out they would no longer have in-network access to medical providers as of March 1, after Anthem announced it was terminating its relationship with Aspire.

Anthem and Aspire officials announced on April 3 they had reached a new agreement, retroactive to March 1.