Sen. Gordon to Offer Legislation for Transparency in Health Care Coverage

In the aftermath of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s reversal of its decision to cap coverage of anesthesia time during surgeries and procedures for patients in CT, Sen. Jeff Gordon, a practicing Hematology-Oncology physician for over 31 years, said he will seek to pass bipartisan legislation at the State Capitol to create a more transparent process that requires insurance companies to run decisions through public hearings for unilateral changes to health care coverage.

“I am proud to have helped lead the charge to bring about this reversal and consider it a big victory for the people of Connecticut,” said Gordon. “But as Connecticut lawmakers, we must now try to prevent alarming and outrageous situations like this from happening in the future. We can accomplish that by injecting transparency, fairness, and the public’s voice into the process.”

In a letter sent to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Connecticut on Nov. 20, Sen. Gordon was the first lawmaker and state official to inquire as to why the insurance company would set time limits on covering anesthesia time during surgeries and procedures.

“Is there research or data that supports the company’s policy on this matter?” Sen. Gordon wrote. “It could lead to avoidable adverse events and/or unnecessary bad outcomes.”

Sen. Gordon said he will work collaboratively with his fellow lawmakers to pass legislation which “ensures that profits are not prioritized over patient care.”  

The Connecticut General Assembly’s 2025 legislation session begins on Jan. 8.