McCaskill wants Anthem to turn over documents related to restrictive ER policy
This summer the
McCaskill sent the insurance company a letter, dated
"Anthem has a strong presence in
"Patients are not physicians. I am concerned that Anthem is requiring its patients to act as medical professionals when they are experiencing urgent medical events."
Anthem has said that there are exceptions to its ER rule.
* ER services for children under the age of 14 will always be covered regardless of the reason for the visit.
* If there isn't an urgent care within 15 miles of the patient, ER payments will be covered by Anthem.
* If a patient was directed to the emergency room by another physician, it will be covered.
* Any visit that occurs on a Sunday or major holiday will be covered.
Anthem said it decided to implement the policy in states where there was an increase in unnecessary ER visits.
Those who are critical of the policy worry that patients will forgo care in an actual emergency because they're worried about the financial costs.
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