After widespread backlash, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem BCBS), now operating under Elevance Health, has decided to withdraw a controversial policy that would have capped its coverage for anesthesia services based on predetermined time limits.
The decision came late Thursday afternoon, following mounting criticism from medical professionals, lawmakers, and the public.
Anthem’s Plans To Limit Anesthesia Coverage
Claims exceeding this time limit would be denied, except for specific exclusions, such as patients under 22 or maternity-related care. Anthem argued that the policy was intended to prevent overbilling and improve affordability.
But the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) quickly condemned the proposal, calling it “a cynical money grab” that prioritizes profits over patient safety.
The ASA’s November 14 statement highlighted the risks of compromising individualized care, which depends on factors like patient health conditions and unforeseen needs during surgery. Of course, social media users mocked the policy as potentially requiring patients to wake mid-surgery to cover costs.
Anthem announced its decision to rescind the policy in a statement shared with USA TODAY. “There has been significant widespread misinformation about an update to our anesthesia policy. As a result, we have decided to not proceed with this policy change,” the statement read. Anthem also emphasized that its intent was never to deny medically necessary anesthesia services but to align practices with established clinical guidelines.
The announcement came amid heightened scrutiny of the health insurance industry, fueled by unrelated events like the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which spurred online discourse about insurers’ practices. Critics argue that the Anthem policy epitomized a troubling trend of prioritizing financial considerations over patient care.
Executives at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield today: https://t.co/zVixnCo6A0 pic.twitter.com/scaGvDLRPb
— 𝙹𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚒 𝚔𝚒 𝚁𝚊𝚗𝚒 🥀 (@saymanjagraphy) December 5, 2024
Elected officials joined medical organizations in opposing the policy. Connecticut State Senator Jeff Gordon, a practicing oncologist, expressed concern in a November 20 letter, questioning the evidence behind the decision and warning of adverse outcomes. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Chris Murphy also publicly decried the proposal.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announces she has pushed Blue Cross Blue Shield to reverse new anesthesia coverage policy:
“Don’t mess with the health and well-being of New Yorkers — not on my watch.” pic.twitter.com/qVqwoLyRT4
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 5, 2024
Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon negotiated with Anthem to halt the policy’s implementation in his state, celebrating the reversal as a win for patient care.
As per, New York State, Senator Michael Gianaris announced plans for legislation to ensure insurers cover anesthesia costs throughout surgeries, preventing similar proposals in the future. “It seems it was a decision made behind a desk somewhere without any input from another human being,” Gianaris said.
