Connecticut
Anthem Insurance will cap anesthesia coverage at certain time limits for CT patients
Anyone with an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plan will soon have to pay out of pocket for anesthesia if a surgery or procedure goes longer than expected, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
The health insurance provider said they will no longer pay for anesthesia care if a surgery or procedure goes beyond a specific time limit. This will apply to patients in Connecticut, New York and Missouri.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists said Anthem can pre-determine the time allowed for anesthesia, and if an anesthesiologist submits a bill where the actual time of care is longer than Anthem’s limit, the company will deny paying for it.
“This is appalling. Saddling patients with thousands of dollars in surprise additional medical debt. And for what? Just to boost corporate profits? Reverse this decision immediately,” Sen. Chris Murphy said on social media.
Anthem announced the new policy last month, telling patients that they’re changing how they evaluate billed time starting Feb. 1, 2025.
The policy will not apply to patients under the age of 22 or maternity-related care, according to Anthem.
“With this new policy, Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists for delivering safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may need extra attention because their surgery is difficult, unusual or because a complication arises,” The American Society of Anesthesiologists said in a statement.
NBC Connecticut has reached out to Anthem but has not yet heard back.
Anthem said policy holders can file a claim dispute if they disagree with a claim reimbursement decision.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists said people concerned about the policy should contact their state insurance commissioner or state legislator.
Connecticut
One arrested after a multi-car crash in Naugatuck Saturday
Naugatuck Police say one person has been arrested after a multi-car accident on Route 63 Saturday afternoon.
According to police, they responded to the area of Route 63 and Cherry Street around 1 p.m. for reports of a collision with injuries.
They say a 30-year-old man from Waterbury was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of drugs/alcohol, operating under the influence with a child passenger, illegal possession of prescription drugs, failure to keep narcotics in the original container, risk of injury to a child and distracted driving.
Police say he is being held on a $10,000 Surety Bond.
This is all the information at this time.
Connecticut
Overnight Forecast for April 19
Connecticut
Woman killed in Friday head-on crash in Burlington
BURLINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — A woman is dead after police said she was involved in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer on Friday in Burlington.
According to Connecticut State Police, a Toyota RAV4 and Peterbuilt 386 tractor-trailer collided head-on on Route 4 near Punch Brook Road at around 4:49 p.m. on Friday.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 64-year-old Mary Christine Ferland of Burlington, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured, according to state police. No one else was in either vehicle at the time of the crash.
The crash is still under investigation by state police, anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Brew at 860-626-7900.
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