Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is facing intense public scrutiny after allegedly denying coverage for essential heart surgery to a Nashville, Tennessee, woman who suffered multiple strokes. The patient, a TikTok creator known online as Babs (@babszszszsz), has thrust the American healthcare system back into the viral spotlight after sharing her ordeal online.
The medical crisis began in May 2026, when Babs started experiencing a series of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and strokes. Her condition escalated dramatically on Aug. 15, when she was hospitalized following a stroke. While under direct medical supervision at the hospital, she suffered yet another stroke.
