Anthem Blue Cross Blue Defend is strolling again a controversial coverage choice relating to protection for anesthesia within the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson‘s homicide.
In an announcement launched Thursday, the corporate defended its choice to reverse the coverage as a response to “significant widespread misinformation” … although, it was notably timed amid the hunt for Thompson’s shooter.
ABCBS shared the now-controversial coverage was by no means meant “to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services” … somewhat, the “proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines.”
The insurance coverage firm first sparked controversy final month, when it introduced a plan to cap protection in sure states over anesthesia quantities — with many deciphering the coverage replace as the corporate saying it would not pay for elements of the process if it went lengthy.
The outcry grew over the course of a number of weeks, particularly when journalist Taylor Lorenz highlighted the problem — and a photograph of Blue Cross Blue Defend Affiliation CEO Kim A. Keck — on Wednesday … not lengthy after Thompson, a distinct healthcare govt, was shot and killed on the streets of Manhattan.
In a single submit on Bluesky, Lorenz shared ABCBS’ deliberate coverage change and wrote … “And people wonder why we want these executives dead.”
This prompted many to name for violence towards different insurance coverage leaders … although Lorenz clarified on “TMZ Live” that was not her intention. As TL informed us, she was simply repeating a sentiment she noticed on-line … encouraging pissed off clients to ship peaceable letters to executives.
TMZ.com
In an announcement to TMZ … a spokesperson for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Defend mentioned the corporate’s choice was not spurred by Lorenz’s submit within the wake of Thompson’s homicide.
