Following Anthem BCBS Policy to Cap Anesthesia Services, Senator Gustavo Rivera Introduces Bill Protecting Patients

(Albany, NY) – On Friday, December 6th, Senator Gustavo Rivera (NY-33) introduced Bill S9957 to protect New York patients from insurance policies that deny full coverage for anesthetic procedures that exceed an arbitrary time limit. This bill has as co-prime sponsor Deputy Majority Leader Senator Mike Gianaris (NY-12), and co-sponsors Senator Liz Krueger (NY-28) and Senator Jabari Brisport (NY-25).

The senators acted in response to a now-retracted policy proposed by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York, Connecticut, Missouri, and Colorado where providers would only pay for a certain number of minutes of anesthetic services. Additional services beyond the limit would have become the patient's responsibility, potentially exposing them to excessive out-of-pocket costs.

“Even though Anthem withdrew this policy under public pressure, the future that this proposal painted for patient care was completely unacceptable,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera. “New Yorkers shouldn’t have to worry about bills after surgery but they should focus on recovery, not debt. My colleagues and I are making sure that New Yorkers are protected against these extortionate practices. We also have to ensure long-term protections and coverage for all New Yorkers, and finally pass the New York Health Act.”