Anthem Reverses Controversial Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Backlash

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield faced backlash after announcing a policy to limit anesthesia coverage during surgeries, leading to a partial reversal in Connecticut. The policy, criticized by medical professionals and public officials, was seen as a cost-cutting measure at the expense of patient care. The controversy arose amid heightened scrutiny of the insurance industry following the assassination of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson. Anthem claimed the policy aimed to simplify healthcare and ensure accurate claims, but it was widely condemned as dangerous and profit-driven.