Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policy to limit anesthesia coverage based on procedure time, impacting patients in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, has been reversed. The policy would have denied payment for anesthesia exceeding pre-determined time limits, potentially leaving patients with substantial out-of-pocket costs. This decision drew swift criticism for potentially increasing patient debt and prioritizing corporate profits. While Anthem offered claim dispute options, the ASA advised affected individuals to contact their state insurance commissioner or legislator.
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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s recent announcement regarding anesthesia coverage is sparking outrage. The company has declared it will no longer pay for anesthesia care exceeding an arbitrary time limit, regardless of the surgical procedure’s actual duration. This means that if a surgery takes longer than anticipated due to complications, patients will be left with unexpected and substantial bills for the extended anesthesia time.
This policy change is not only financially devastating for patients but also ethically questionable. It creates a system where patients are vulnerable to unforeseen medical expenses, particularly during stressful and complex surgical procedures. The decision to cap anesthesia coverage based on an arbitrary time limit ignores the unpredictable nature of surgery and the potential for unforeseen complications.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood