Aetna has reevaluated their plan to reduce colonoscopy coverage. Just a few months ago, Aetna created a plan for a new policy to restrict the coverage of an anesthesiologist during a colonoscopy procedure. In many cases, anesthesia is not necessary during a colonoscopy and there are other options patients can take to ease their discomfort. Doctors immediately responded in displeasure. New Jersey doctors reported that the reduced coverage would significantly limit the amount of screenings performed each year. Colorectal cancer as become the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Over the past years, doctors have urged regular screenings to catch the cancer in its earliest stages.

Aetna has reconsidered their plan and extended a waiting period of implementation until after the FDA releases an approval for a new form of sedation. Aetna’s main concern is to drive down costs of the procedure. The additional cost of an anesthesiologist can drive the cost up to $1,000. The New Jersey health insurance company has been working hard over the years to slow New Jersey’s rising cost of healthcare.