Health insurer Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its plan to limit coverage for anesthesia services in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, after facing widespread criticism from patients, doctors, and lawmakers. The company announced the policy change would go into effect on February 1, 2025, but will no longer proceed with it.
The initial proposal was met with opposition from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), which stated that Anthem would deny claims for anesthesia services exceeding a certain time limit. However, after a backlash from patients and lawmakers, including Connecticut’s comptroller Sean Scanlon, who said his office had already reached out to Anthem to stop the policy change.
The move was also criticized by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who called it “outrageous” and vowed to protect her constituents. The American Society of Anesthesiologists welcomed the reversal, stating that it reflects a larger trend among commercial health insurers trying to undermine established anesthesia billing and payment norms.
The policy change was widely seen as a threat to patient safety, with many fearing that Anthem’s decision would lead to delayed or denied claims for necessary anesthesia services. The reversal is a significant victory for patients and medical professionals, who will continue to have access to necessary care without restrictions on coverage.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2024/12/06/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield-reverses-planned-anesthesia-time-limits-after-intense-pushback