A health insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, has backed down from a plan to limit coverage of anesthesia, following public outcry and criticism from lawmakers and medical professionals. The decision, which was set to affect plans in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, would have restricted anesthesia care based on arbitrary time limits.
Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed relief and outrage over the reversal, with Hochul stating that she would not “mess with the health and well-being of New Yorkers.” The plan was met with widespread criticism, with some drawing parallels between the decision and the recent murder of a UnitedHealthcare CEO.
Experts say the backlash reflects an inherent distrust of the healthcare industry among Americans. Marianne Udow-Phillips, a former insurance executive, warned that such decisions can lead to physical threats against executives, citing her own experience as an example. The reversal serves as a reminder of the power of public scrutiny and the need for companies to prioritize their customers’ needs over administrative efficiency.
Anthem representatives declined to comment on the decision, but the move is seen as a significant victory for those who advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare industry.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2024/12/05/blue-cross-blue-shield-anesthesia-anthem-connecticut-new-york