Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield backtracks on controversial policy decision regarding anesthesia coverage in wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO. Brian Thompsonthe murder of
In a statement released Thursday, the company defended its decision to change the policy as a response to “significantly widespread misinformation” … though it was significantly timed during the search for Thompson’s shooter.
The ABCBS shared that the now-controversial policy was never intended to “not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services” … rather, “the proposed policy update was intended only to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia in accordance with well-established clinical guidelines.”
The insurance company first sparked controversy last month when it announced plans to limit coverage for anesthesia in some states. many interpreted the policy update as the company saying it would not pay for parts of the procedure if it took too long.
The outcry grew over the course of several weeks, especially when a reporter Taylor Lorenz highlighted the issue — and a photo of the CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Kim A. Keck — Wednesday … Not long after Thompson, there was another health chief shoot and kill On the streets of Manhattan.
In one post on BlueskyLorenz shared ABCBS’s planned policy change, writing … “And people are wondering why we want these executives dead.”
This prompted many to call for violence against other insurance leaders … though Lorenz clarified on “TMZ Live” that was not his intention. As TL told us, he was simply echoing a sentiment he’d seen online…encouraging frustrated customers to send peaceful emails to managers.
TMZ.com
In a statement to TMZ … a spokesperson for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said the company’s decision was not influenced by Lorenz’s post following Thompson’s murder.
