Sometimes the power of collective outrage and backlash does indeed work. According to reports, Anthem Blue Cross has now reversed its decision that was meant to cap anesthesia coverage during treatments.
The Lowdown
U.S healthcare insurer Anthem Blue Cross found itself in the midst of outrage on Thursday following a decision to limit the amount of coverage the insurer would provide to those who required anesthesia use during operations in 3 states. The announcement sparked widespread outrage and came less than a day after the shocking assassination of United Healthcare CEO in Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
NBC reports that the change first reported last month but largely kept quiet by the insurer was set to go into effect in February in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Anthem Blue Cross on their part only quietly reported the change rather than making a public announcement about it. In a statement to the network, the insurer denied claims that it was refusing to pay for anesthesia services after a certain point.