LESTER HOLT: While we still don't know the motive behind the killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the shocking crime has sent a chill through the insurance industry. And it comes as many Americans are voicing their frustrations over coverage denials. And tonight, one insurer is reversing course after facing major backlash. Ann Thompson reports.
ANN THOMPSON: An about-face from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, reversing its plan to put time limits on anesthesia care in three states, an idea blasted by doctors.
GREGORY LEVITIN: I would love to have a one-on-one talk with the person that thought this was a good idea.
THOMPSON: And policymakers.
SEAN SCANLON: I think the outpouring of concern that I heard from my constituents was just shock...
THOMPSON: Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon runs the largest healthcare plan in the state.
SCANLON: It’s not in the best interest of the patient to cut off their coverage for anesthesia in the middle of a surgery just because it’s reached some arbitrary time limit.
THOMPSON: New York Governor Kathy Hochul called it outrageous. Dr. Gregory Levitin is a vascular birthmark surgeon.
THOMPSON: Is this even workable in surgery?
LEVITIN: I don't see how this could be applied across the board. Anesthesiologists do not control the amount of time that is spent under anesthesia. A surgeon who is well-trained has a protocol or step-by- step process for performing a surgery. It’s not something that’s time-dependent but it’s technically dependent.
THOMPSON: In announcing the reversal, Anthem cited what it called “widespread misinformation,” and said “it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services.” Relief for patients, doctors, and policy makers tonight. Ann Thompson, NBC News.