SPRINGFIELD – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, would be covered by insurance companies under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Insurance companies have taken advantage of people for far too long,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans like this.”

House Bill 1141 would require private insurers and all state group health plans to cover medically necessary anesthesia services, regardless of duration, for any procedure covered by the policy. 

Turner’s initiative comes in response to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's proposed policy change that would have placed a time limit on anesthesia in New York, Missouri and Connecticut. The company announced that it would begin setting a specific amount of time it would cover anesthesia costs for, depending on the procedure. After the time limit is reached, patients would have to pay out-of-pocket for the remaining anesthesia.

“Under this plan, people can rest assured that a time limit can’t be put on anesthesia services, requiring patients to pay the cost,” said Turner. “Instead of lining their own pockets, let’s put patients’ health first.”

House Bill 1141 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.