According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, anyone with an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plan will soon have to pay out-of-pocket for anesthesia if a surgery or procedure takes longer than expected.

The health insurance company said it would no longer cover anesthesia care if an operation or procedure exceeds a certain deadline. This applies to patients in Connecticut, New York and Missouri.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists said Anthem can predetermine the time allotted for anesthesia. If an anesthesiologist submits an invoice indicating the actual treatment time is longer than Anthem’s specified time, the company will refuse to pay for it.

“This is horrific. Saddling patients with thousands of dollars in unexpected additional medical debt. And for what? Just to increase corporate profits? Reverse this decision immediately,” Senator Chris Murphy said on social media.

Anthem announced the new policy last month, telling patients that starting February 1, 2025, they will change the way they value billed time.

Anthem said the policy does not apply to patients under the age of 22 or to care during pregnancy.

“With this new policy, Anthem will not pay anesthesiologists to provide safe and effective anesthesia care to patients who may require special attention because their surgery is difficult or unusual, or because a complication occurs,” the American Society said in a statement of Anaesthesiologists.

NBC Connecticut has reached out to Anthem but has not yet received a response.

Anthem said policyholders can file a claim dispute if they disagree with a decision to reimburse a claim.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists said people concerned about the policy should contact their state insurance commissioner or state legislature.