Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield faced backlash for a plan to limit anesthesia coverage in Missouri, prompting the insurer to reverse the policy. Lawmakers and medical groups raised concerns that patients would have to pay out-of-pocket if procedures took longer than expected. House Speaker-elect Jon Patterson, a physician, called the policy harmful and began pressing Anthem for clarity. The insurer, covering 2.1 million Missourians, announced the change last month but decided not to proceed after criticism. Anthem clarified that it was never the intention to withhold payment for necessary anesthesia services. The American Society of Anesthesiologists criticized the initial policy as a money grab, while the Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists warned it could jeopardize patient safety. In response, Rep. David Tyson Smith vowed to introduce legislation to prevent the policy. Patterson emphasized the need for a resolution, citing patient safety concerns. The dispute comes amid an agreement between Blue Cross and Mercy for full medical coverage for Anthem customers in the St. Louis region. In light of the controversy, Anthem reversed its decision on Thursday, ensuring continued coverage for anesthesia services in Missouri.
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