Congressman Ritchie Torres Introduces the Anesthesia for All Act

Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced the “Anesthesia for All Act” into the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would prohibit health insurers, including Medicaid managed care organizations and other private health plans, from imposing arbitrary time caps on reimbursement for anesthesia services. The bill would ensure reimbursement is based on medical necessity as determined by the attending anesthesiologist and prohibit insurers from denying payment solely because the duration of care exceeds a pre-set limit.

Rep. Torres released the following statement on the legislation:

“We cannot trust insurers to do right by doctors and patients out of the kindness of their hearts. There is a need for legislation that prevents any insurer anywhere in America from micromanaging the length of anesthesia care in a medically necessary surgery. The purpose of medicine should be to prevent pain, rather than cause it through the denial of anesthesia.”

The full bill text available here.