Anthem Blue Cross cancels controversial device to restrict anesthesia care after overwhelming public outcry

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Defend gained’t move by with it proposed coverage This may restrict protection for anesthesia throughout surgical procedures and procedures.

The proposed coverage, set to capture impact in February 2025, would fill denied cost for anesthesia drugs that exceed closing dates based mostly on federal pointers, sparking intense backlash from medical professionals, lawmakers and the general public.

“That is simply the newest in an extended line of appalling conduct by industrial well being insurers in search of to enhance their income on the expense of sufferers and physicians who present main care,” mentioned Donald E. Arnold, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists CBS Information.

Critics argue that the coverage jeopardizes affected person care by failing to account for advanced or prolonged surgical procedures. Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Recent York Gov. Kathy Hochul publicly condemned the device and secured statewide rollbacks earlier than the sweeping withdrawal.

“Don’t place the well being and well-being of Recent Yorkers at threat,” Hochul mentioned.

Anthem cited “misinformation” concerning the coverage however acknowledged widespread issues.

“To be clear, it has by no means been and won’t ever be Anthem Blue Cross Blue Defend’s coverage to not pay for medically vital anesthesia providers,” a spokesperson informed CBS on Thursday. “The proposed guideline replace was supposed solely to make clear the appropriateness of anesthesia in step with established medical pointers.”

The about-face comes amid elevated scrutiny of well being insurers’ post-death practices Shoot by Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare.