Official statements from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem BCBS Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap in CT, NY, MO After Backlash

Dec 5, 2024, 07:55 PM

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), one of the largest health insurers in the U.S., initially planned to limit anesthesia coverage for surgeries in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, tying payments to the length of time a patient was under anesthesia. This policy would have resulted in patients potentially facing out-of-pocket costs for anesthesia services if their procedures exceeded an arbitrary time limit. However, following widespread criticism from anesthesiologists, patients, and state officials, including Connecticut's State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Anthem decided to reverse this policy. The American Society of Anesthesiologists expressed strong opposition to the plan, highlighting its potential to compromise patient care and safety. Anthem's decision to backtrack on the policy was influenced by the intense pushback, ensuring that anesthesia coverage would not be capped in these states.