EXHIBIT 23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-84906) pertaining to the Anthem 401(k) Long Term Savings Investment Plan of our report dated June 4, 2004 with respect to the financial statements and schedule of the Anthem 401(k) Long Term Savings Investment Plan included in this Annual Report on Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Indianapolis, Indiana
June 4, 2004