In a surprising turn of events, health insurer Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has announced that it is walking back its plan to set a time limit for anesthesia coverage during surgeries and procedures. The decision comes after days of widespread outrage at the healthcare industry as a whole.
Background on the Controversy
In mid-November, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) issued a press release about the policy, which was set to take effect in February in states like Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. The policy, as outlined by the ASA, would deny payment for anesthesia care if an anesthesiologist submitted a bill where the actual time of care exceeded Anthem’s limit.
The Impact on Anesthesiologists and Patients
According to the ASA, this new policy would mean that anesthesiologists would not be paid for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual, or because a complication arises. This could have serious consequences for both the patient’s health and the financial stability of the anesthesiologist.
Public Outrage and the Reversal
The letter appears to have garnered little public attention until this week when several posts on social media about the policy change began circulating. The posts gained traction after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in New York on Wednesday in what police say was a targeted attack.
UnitedHealthcare Under Scrutiny
The shooting has sparked discussions about the havoc wreaked by the US healthcare system and insurers like UnitedHealthcare. The company has been under scrutiny for its practices, including using algorithms to cut off payments and deny rehabilitation care for patients. According to an investigation by Stat, United specifically uses these algorithms to reduce costs and increase profits.
The Rate of Claim Denials in the Healthcare Industry
While the rate at which insurers deny patient claims is a closely guarded secret, ProPublica last year followed one chronically ill patient’s fight to get coverage from United. The story highlighted the difficulties faced by patients when dealing with insurance companies and the lack of transparency in the process.
The Cost of Medical Debt
According to recent reports, Americans carry at least $220 billion in medical debt, which upends lives as insurance companies profit. This staggering amount is a testament to the broken healthcare system and the need for reform.
Shell Casings with ‘Delay’ and ‘Deny’ Written on Them
Following the murder, healthcare companies like CVS Health began taking down webpages about corporate leadership. The shooting has also sparked discussions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the impact it can have on public opinion.
The Backlash Against UnitedHealthcare
While some online forums expressed little sympathy for the company and Thompson’s death, others recognized that the healthcare system is flawed and that insurance companies are often more concerned with profits than patient care. The shooting has brought attention to the need for reform and greater transparency in the industry.
Conclusion
The reversal of Anthem’s policy on anesthesia coverage highlights the power of public outrage and the importance of transparency in the healthcare industry. As the US continues to grapple with issues related to medical debt, claim denials, and corporate profits, it is clear that change is needed. By walking back its plan, Anthem has taken a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done.
Sources
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announcement
- American Society of Anesthesiologists press release
- Stat investigation into UnitedHealthcare’s practices
- ProPublica story on one chronically ill patient’s fight for coverage from United
- The New York Times article on the shooting and its aftermath