Patients at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center may lose coverage from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield starting January 1, 2024, if a new contract isn't reached. The dispute centers on pricing, with Anthem accusing Ohio State of proposing significant price hikes, while Ohio State claims Anthem has underpaid them. Both parties are hopeful for a resolution by the deadline. Similar negotiations are occurring between Mount Carmel and Aetna, highlighting broader tensions in healthcare pricing and insurance coverage.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed its decision to limit payments for anesthesia based on time, following public backlash and intervention from officials. The policy, which was set to affect several states, was criticized for prioritizing profits over patient care. Anthem clarified that it never intended to deny payments for necessary anesthesia services, and the reversal was due to "significant widespread misinformation."
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to implement a policy that would tie payments to the duration of anesthesia, following widespread criticism and claims of misinformation. The policy, which was set to affect several states, was criticized by the American Society for Anesthesiologists as prioritizing profits over patient safety. Anthem clarified that it never intended to deny payments for necessary anesthesia services and has rescinded the proposed changes.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to cap anesthesia coverage in Connecticut, Missouri, and New York following widespread criticism and intervention from state officials. The proposed policy would have limited coverage based on predetermined anesthesia times, potentially compromising patient care. The American Society of Anesthesiologists and state leaders expressed strong opposition, leading to Anthem's decision to maintain full coverage for medically necessary anesthesia services.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a new policy to limit the time it will pay for anesthesia during surgeries in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, sparking backlash from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and state officials. The policy, intended to prevent overbilling, was halted in New York and Connecticut after public outcry. Critics argue that surgery duration is determined by the surgeon, not the anesthesiologist, and question the insurer's use of CMS data to set time limits.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will limit anesthesia coverage for surgeries exceeding a specific time frame starting February 1, 2025, affecting patients in New York, Missouri, and Connecticut. Exemptions include patients under 22 and those needing maternity care. Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the decision, vowing to protect New Yorkers.
Bon Secours and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia have reached a multi-year agreement, ensuring continued in-network coverage for Anthem Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plan members at Bon Secours until 2028. The agreement also extends coverage for Anthem employer-based and Affordable Care Act plans. Anthem will cover any claims incurred during the period when Bon Secours was out of network. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by Bon Secours against Anthem over unpaid insurance claims.
Mercy Health providers and facilities are now considered out of network for patients with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicaid insurance after failed negotiations. The change took effect on July 1, but Mercy Health will continue to serve Anthem patients in Ohio until July 31. Patients are encouraged to initiate a transfer to an alternative managed Medicaid plan to ensure long-term access to Mercy Health facilities and providers. Mercy Health remains contracted with all other Managed Medicaid plans in Ohio and will continue to serve patients under new health plans.
The Christ Hospital Health Network and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio have reached a new agreement that ensures continued access to quality care for all of Anthem’s members at all The Christ Hospital Health Network facilities and physician groups. The hospital said the new deal allows them to focus on helping patients in their care.
