Exhibit 23.1

                        Consent of Independent Auditors

   We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Summary
Consolidated Financial and Other Data," "Experts," "The Plan of Conversion--
Conditions to Effectiveness of the Plan and Tax Effect on Anthem," and
"Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data" and to the use of our report
dated January 29, 2001, (except for Note 17, as to which the date is June 18,
2001) for Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., in Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement No. 333-70566 (Form S-1) and related Prospectus of
Anthem, Inc. dated October 26, 2001.

                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
October 24, 2001