Anthem Insurance rescinds policy change amid backlash

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is obstructing a policy change that will impose a cut-off date on anesthesia coverage for members in three states.

On December 4, following the reports, the insurer faced fierce opposition proliferation a couple of recent policy change that will limit reimbursement for anesthesia for surgeries and medical procedures. As a results of the vitriol faced by the insurer, the corporate issued an announcement on Thursday regarding “misinformation” surrounding the policy.

“There has been widespread misinformation about updates to our anesthesia policies. As a result, we have decided not to pursue this policy change,” an Anthem spokesperson said.

“To be clear, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policy has never been and never will be to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed policy update was intended only to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia in accordance with well-established clinical guidelines.”

The latest policy, which was quietly introduced last month to members in Connecticut, New York and Missouri starting in February, will reimburse doctors based on timelines set by the insurer.

Amid discussions concerning the struggling U.S. health care industry sparked by the Wednesday morning shooting in New York of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Anthem’s change in anesthesia policy has drawn increased attention. The news sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing the insurer on social media, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued an announcement condemning the choice.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Connecticut Controller Sean Scanlon shared their plans to contact Anthem to place an end to the policy change of their state.

“Last night, I expressed my outrage at Anthem’s plan to remove coverage of New Yorkers who had to undergo surgery under anesthesia,” Hochul said in an announcement Thursday. “We pressured Anthem to change course and today they’ll announce a whole reversal of this misguided policy. “

December 5 Scanlon confirmed that anesthesiology can be covered by Anthem, Connecticut.

“After hearing from residents across the state about this policy, my office has reached out to Anthem and I am happy to inform you that this policy will no longer apply here in Connecticut,” Scanlon wrote.

There is often no set cut-off date for anesthesia during surgery or procedure. The duration of anesthesia is set by the length of the procedure, which is set by the doctor performing the procedure, not the anesthesiologist. However, under Anthem’s proposed policy change, the insurer would control the quantity of reimbursement for anesthesia services provided to patients.