Political Tribune

2024, Analysis, Health Care

(UPDATE) Anthem Blue Cross Sparks Outrage By Refusing Full Payment For Anesthesia During Surgeries (In 3 States)

You and I are not in the big club.

605
605 points

UPDATE: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is reversing its decision to cap anesthesia for surgical patients. Read it here.

Editor’s note: When you read this – just remember one thing.  What they’re doing is LEGAL.  The fact that it’s legal should tell you everything you need to know about Democrats, Republicans and anyone in an elected office who purports to look after your interests.  It’s a big fucking club and you ain’t in it.  If you’re not outraged – you’re not paying attention.

In a controversial decision, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has announced it will no longer pay for anesthesia services beyond a certain duration for surgical procedures. This policy, which applies to plans in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, has drawn sharp criticism from healthcare professionals, patients, and advocacy groups.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) condemned the policy, highlighting its potential to compromise patient safety:

“In an unprecedented move, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri have unilaterally declared it will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an anticipated duration.”
(American Society of Anesthesiologists)

This decision places both patients and anesthesiologists in a precarious position, forcing difficult decisions in the operating room that could have life-altering consequences.

Backlash from Medical Professionals

Healthcare experts have raised serious concerns about the timing and logic of Anthem’s new policy. Dr. Michelle Au, a practicing anesthesiologist, explained the critical importance of anesthesia care during prolonged surgeries:

Dr. Au’s observations underscore how Anthem’s decision prioritizes cost-cutting over patient safety, particularly in complex surgeries where prolonged anesthesia is vital to saving lives.

Public Outrage Grows

The announcement has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with critics highlighting Anthem’s growing profits in stark contrast to its reduced coverage. Journalist Yashar Ali amplified ASA’s statement:

Many users expressed frustration at the system prioritizing profits over essential medical services, with some accusing Anthem of putting corporate greed ahead of patient care.

This was a not so subtle post on the day that the CEO of United Healthcare’s Insurance Division was assassinated in midtown Manhattan.   Draw whatever conclusions you’d like.

Anthem’s Record-Breaking Profits

Despite its cost-cutting measures, Anthem has been reporting record-breaking profits. In June 2024, Elevance Health, Anthem’s corporate name, revealed a staggering year-over-year net income increase of 24.12%, reaching $2.3 billion.

In the third quarter of 2024, Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE: ELV) reported operating revenue of $44.7 billion and an adjusted operating gain of $2.4 billion. The company declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $1.63 per share to shareholders.

The company’s profit margin has also surged, increasing 24.29% year-over-year. These figures highlight how Anthem’s financial success often comes at the expense of patients, who are left grappling with mounting medical bills and denied services.

Despite these figures, Elevance Health faced unprecedented challenges in its Medicaid business, leading to a reduction in the full-year earnings forecast. The company now expects 2024 GAAP net income per diluted share to be approximately $26.50 and adjusted net income per diluted share to be approximately $33.00.

These financial results reflect the company’s efforts to navigate a dynamic operating environment while addressing challenges in the Medicaid sector.

That’s why they’re fucking people over.  Gotta make those profits and paying medical bills cuts into their fat, fat profits.

The Role of Political Contributions

Anthem’s influence extends far beyond the healthcare sector. The company, through its parent organization Elevance Health, has consistently ranked among the top donors to political campaigns. According to OpenSecrets, Anthem contributed over $10 million to political action committees (PACs) and individual candidates in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles.

These contributions shape healthcare policy, often favoring corporate interests. Critics argue that such influence allows companies like Anthem to legalize unethical practices by lobbying for regulations that prioritize profits over patient care.

This is a clear example of how private insurance companies rig the system. They fund campaigns, lobby for laws that benefit them, and leave patients to bear the brunt of their cost-cutting policies.

By leveraging financial clout, Anthem and similar corporations continue to maintain policies that critics argue undermine ethical standards and patient trust in the healthcare system.

Featured image via screengrab on x.com

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Shay Maz

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Shay Maz has been a political writer for many years. This is a pseudonym for writing; if you need to contact her - you may do so here: https://x.com/SheilaGouldman

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