Anthem Insurance has announced new time limits on anesthesia coverage for surgeries, raising alarms among healthcare providers and patients in Missouri and Connecticut. Starting January 1, 2024, patients undergoing surgical procedures involving anesthesia will find that Anthem will only cover the costs for anesthesia administered up to two hours before surgery begins and within three hours from the conclusion of the surgical procedure. This change applies to both in-network and out-of-network providers. Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, an anesthesiologist, expressed his concerns, stating, “These restrictions could lead to patients receiving inadequate care or delaying necessary surgeries.” Additionally, the guidelines mean that anesthesia services will not be covered if the surgery extends beyond the stipulated time limits set by Anthem. Anthem argued that the new caps are an effort to control costs and streamline service delivery, with a spokesperson claiming, “Our goal is to improve quality and efficiency within our healthcare system.” However, the American Society of Anesthesiologists has criticized the decision, saying it undermines patient care and could result in patients being charged unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Healthcare professionals and patient advocates are calling for a reconsideration of the policy, urging Anthem to prioritize patient needs over cost management initiatives.
Anthem Insurance Imposes Time Limits on Anesthesia Coverage, Prompting Concerns Among Patients and Providers
