KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Anthem Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) has reversed course on a new policy of capping anesthesia coverage after a certain time limit.
A company representative told KCTV5 on Thursday afternoon that it has decided not to proceed with the plan.
After the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) spoke out against the policy and significant public backlash, Anthem pulled back. The company cited “widespread misinformation” as its reasoning.
The exclusions for the change would have been patients under the age of 22 and maternity-related care. The policy had been set to go into effect for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri, according to ASA.
Missouri State Rep. John Patterson (R-Lee’s Summit) applauded Anthem’s decision on Thursday afternoon:
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
