SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is sponsoring a measure that would require insurance companies to cover anesthesia services, regardless of duration.

“We have to put patients over profit,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Insurance companies use tactics like not covering anesthesia for the entirety of a procedure to put more money in their own pockets, rather than prioritizing the health and well-being of patients.”

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 measure 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.

“While Blue Cross rescinded their proposal, this measure will protect Illinois residents if any insurer decides to place a time limit on general anesthesia,” said Turner.

House Bill 1141 passed the Senate Insurance Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.