HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – An unpopular move to limit anesthesiology coverage through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has drawn criticism from patients and state officials.

However, Connecticut’s comptroller announced Thursday that anesthesiology in the state would be covered by Anthem.

On Wednesday, Anthem released information about a cap on anesthesia insurance, saying surgery that extended beyond a certain period of time would not be covered.

Comptroller Sean Scanlon said that after discussions with Anthem, the provider of health insurance for state employees, and many others across Connecticut, Anthem will no longer implement the policy restricting reimbursement for anesthesiologists.

“After hearing about this policy from people across the state, my office reached out to Anthem and I am pleased to announce that this policy will no longer be in effect here in Connecticut,” Scanlon said.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said he has heard from people in the state about their concerns.

“Good. The cap on anesthesia coverage was a terrible policy,” Tong said. “Neither patients nor anesthesiologists can control the duration of a surgical procedure once it begins. What did Anthem expect doctors to do? Wake patients in the middle of surgery? I “I’m glad Anthem listened to patients and doctors and reversed course.”

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