Insurance Company Stops Plan to Set Time Limits on Paying for Anesthesia During Surgeries After Backlash

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, a major health insurance company in the U.S., has decided to stop its plan to limit how long it will pay for anesthesia during surgeries.

This decision comes after many doctors, medical groups, and patients expressed strong concerns that such a policy could harm patients and put their safety at risk.


The insurance company had planned to introduce a policy that would limit how long anesthesia services would be covered during different types of surgeries. The time limits would be based on the average time a specific surgery usually takes.

If a surgery or recovery lasted longer than the set time, Anthem might stop paying for the extra anesthesia, leaving patients and hospitals to cover the remaining costs.


This policy was criticized by doctors, especially anesthesiologists, who provide care during surgeries to ensure patients are safe and pain-free. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) called the plan dangerous and unfair.

They explained that every patient is different, and many factors can cause a surgery to take longer, such as complications, the patient’s age, overall health, or unexpected issues during the operation.

Doctors also argued that medical decisions, like how much anesthesia is needed, should be made by trained medical professionals, not insurance companies trying to save money. Patient advocacy groups joined in, saying the policy could force hospitals or patients to choose between safe care and financial burdens.


After receiving strong backlash from the medical community and the public, Anthem decided to stop the plan. The company announced it will not go ahead with the policy as planned and will consult with healthcare experts to ensure future policies are fair and safe for patients.

Anthem claimed there had been “misunderstandings” about the policy but acknowledged the concerns raised. The company said it values feedback and will work with medical professionals to create better policies that focus on both cost-effectiveness and quality care.


This decision is a big win for doctors, patients, and advocates who fought to ensure that medical care isn’t rushed or compromised due to financial limits. Anesthesia is critical for patient safety during surgeries, and limiting coverage could have led to risky situations.

This case highlights the importance of collaboration between insurance companies and healthcare providers. It also shows how public feedback and professional opinions can make a difference in shaping policies that impact lives. Many hope that this will encourage insurers to focus more on patient health and safety when creating future policies.

For now, doctors and patients can feel relieved that there won’t be time limits on anesthesia coverage, ensuring that everyone receives the care they need during surgery, no matter how long it takes.