Anthem Reverses Controversial Anesthesia Payment Policy

In response to a controversial, now-reversed policy by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield that would have limited anesthesia coverage, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has introduced the "Anesthesia For All Act" to prevent such caps in the future. This legislative move comes amid heightened scrutiny of health insurance practices following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which sparked social media debates over healthcare costs. The bill aims to prohibit insurers from imposing arbitrary time limits on anesthesia reimbursement and mandates audits to ensure compliance.