New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued new guidance Aug. 5 that prohibits healthcare providers from charging patients in their insurance network for additional fees to cover the skyrocketing cost of personal protective equipment needed to ensure safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
After patients flooded the state Department of Financial Services with complaints about PPE fees, particularly charged by dental care providers, the department sent a letter to insurers asking them to tell providers they cannot charge PPE fees and that all money collected from such fees must be refunded.
The governor's office determined these charges were inappropriate based on the belief that insured patients should not be liable for fees that exceed what has been outlined in their insurance policies.
"In these uncertain times, as many New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet, healthcare providers should not be creating additional financial burdens on their patients," Mr. Cuomo said in a new release. "This action will ensure that New Yorkers are protected against excessive fees associated with the necessary and at times live-saving care they need."
The state Department of Financial Services is asking insurers to report the total amount providers have collected from PPE fees, how many patients were charged and a plan for refunding such fees within the next three months.
More articles on dental:
Pandemic will exacerbate dental health disparities, experts say
Henry Schein sales sink 31% in Q2 of 2020
Texas dental office allegedly leaves woman toothless, faces lawsuit over fraudulent practices