Anthem Blue Cross Says It Will Put Time Limits on Anesthesia Coverage, Alarming Officials

Multiple elected officials indicated they would move to fight the decision, which applies to New York, Missouri, and Connecticut.

The office building of health insurer Anthem is seen in Los Angeles, Calif., on Febr. 5, 2015. Gus Ruelas/Reuters

Anthem Blue Cross, one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, said that in several states starting early next year it will not always fully cover anesthesia.

In a statement posted on its website Dec. 1, Anthem confirmed that it will not cover the full length of anesthesia during surgery if it goes beyond a specific time limit.