Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Abandons Plan to Limit Anesthesia Coverage

The insurance provider faced intense backlash over a proposed policy to cap coverage for anesthesia during surgeries in several states.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced it will no longer pursue a policy to cap anesthesia coverage after public and professional outcry.
The proposed policy would have denied coverage for anesthesia exceeding time limits set by the insurer during surgeries, starting February 2025.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists and lawmakers criticized the plan, calling it a profit-driven decision that jeopardized patient care.
Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon and other officials negotiated the reversal of the policy in Connecticut, with similar efforts underway in New York and Missouri.
Legislators in New York and Connecticut are proposing laws to prevent future policies that limit coverage for medically necessary procedures.