Get the latest tech news

Anthem drops controversial new plan to cap anesthesia coverage after backlash

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced it will walk back plans to cap coverage of anesthesia care after widespread backlash.

According to a description of the policy on Anthem's website, billing guidelines would change in some states beginning in February 2025 to cap the amount of anesthesia care the company would cover based on time limits pre-set by the insurer. “This is just the latest in a long line of appalling behavior by commercial health insurers looking to drive their profits up at the expense of patients and physicians providing essential care,” said ASA president Donald E. Arnold in the association's statement. New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris also announced plans on Thursday to introduce specific legislation to prevent similar billing policies from going into place, calling the insurer's decision "unconscionable."

Get the Android app