Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has received at least 28 complaints from dental patients regarding COVID-19 surcharges, reports The Middletown Press.
The disputed fees total almost $500, according to complaints obtained by The Middletown Press through the state's Freedom of Information Act. The state Office of Consumer Protection has received three similar complaints, the publication notes.
The reported fees range from $10 to $20 per patient. Mr. Tong said the fees are illegal if a patient has insurance and pays a copayment. However, if a patient is using a dentist not in their insurance company's network — or doesn't have insurance at all — a COVID-19 fee can be assessed.
"In almost all cases, we reach out to the provider and they stop doing it," Mr. Tong told The Middletown Press. "We are aware of some health insurers who are paying additional reimbursement to doctors."
Tam Le, DMD, president of the Connecticut State Dental Association, said the association continues to advise dental practices to check their insurance provider contracts and review the terms of their participation agreements before charging patients for personal protective equipment. Dr. Le said PPE prices have risen significantly since the pandemic began, with surgical masks and gloves undergoing the largest price increases, according to The Middletown Press.
"Dentists and healthcare providers are under a lot of pressure economically," Mr. Tong told The Middletown Press. "But that doesn't mean they can charge more."