Anthem Insurance to limit anesthesia coverage and leave patients struggling

In the United States, Anthem Insurance has announced that beginning February 1, 2025, it will implement a cap on anesthesia coverage based on time limits. This controversial action has raised significant concerns among medical professionals and organizations, particularly the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), which swiftly condemned the decision and urged Anthem to reconsider. The ASA highlighted the risks associated with restricting anesthesia coverage, emphasizing that such limits do not account for the variability in surgery times due to factors such as patient physiology and unexpected surgical complications. The ASA's stance is that anesthesiologists play a crucial role in maintaining patient safety throughout surgical procedures, and that arbitrary time limits could jeopardize this crucial aspect of care. The policy will primarily affect Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, with exceptions for patients under 22 years of age and maternity-related care. Amidst widespread backlash from medical practitioners, Anthem has communicated that claims submitted for reimbursements exceeding the newly established time limits would be denied, prompting further outcry about the implications for patient care, trust, and the operational integrity of surgical procedures. As this policy unfolds, it is expected to face challenges from both healthcare professionals advocating for patient safety and patients themselves who rely on anesthesiology services for surgeries that require pain management or sedation. The ASA encourages those affected to reach out to their state insurance commissioners or legislators in opposition to the upcoming changes.