Sen. Gordon Pushes for Answers on Anthem BCBS Anesthesia Reimbursement Rates

State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock), member of the legislature’s Public Health Committee and a practicing physician, this week reached out to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Connecticut to press the insurer for answers on its recent significant reimbursement policy change regarding anesthesiology services.

Particularly, the insurer will no longer pay for anesthesia care if a surgery or procedure exceeds a specified time limit at the discretion of the insurer—regardless of how long the surgery or procedure takes or the patient-specific reasons that necessitate an extension.

“I continue to press for answers to this significant, even detrimental, policy shift when it comes to patient care and outcomes. There are many real-world examples that I can provide as a medical doctor that illustrate how a predetermined time limit for anesthesiology coverage is not reasonable because there are many other medical factors at play. Each patient is different. Each surgery is different. I will continue to work for people and with my medical professional colleagues to address this situation,” said Sen. Gordon.

In a Nov. 20 letter, Sen. Gordon posed several key questions to determine the impetus for such an impactful change in company policy.

“This policy is contrary to providing good and safe medical care for people in Connecticut and other states. It could lead to avoidable adverse events and/or unnecessary bad outcomes. Why would Anthem BCBS pursue such a policy?” he asked.

Sen. Gordon continues to work cooperatively with the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Connecticut State Society of Anesthesiologists to advocate for patients, requesting a joint meeting with Anthem BCBS to address this serious issue.