I stay current with the latest news to give people struggling with their health insurance companies the strongest voice possible. Let me tell you it's been an eventful month. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield quietly rolled out a February policy change to restrict reimbursements for anesthesia during surgery and medical procedures based on time limits set by the insurer - not doctors.
This announcement went largely unnoticed, but that changed after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York City. The killing sparked a wave of online vitriol about the U.S. healthcare system - and highlighted Anthem BCBS’s decision which came roaring into the conversation.
A spokesperson for Anthem BCBS said in a statement: “There has been significant widespread misinformation about an update to our anesthesia policy. As a result, we have decided not to proceed with this policy change."
The spokesperson added, "To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services. The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.” Uh, yeah.
The fact healthcare coverage has become so unscrupulous as to warrant this outcry is beyond tragic - no CEO should have to wear a bulletproof vest to work. What I hope is taken away from this terrible situation is that the voices of many can evoke change without it being a response to an act of violence. Use what power you currently have to appeal unfair claim denials. Proactively use your voice to change the status quo, whatever cause you are fighting for.
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