At least three states have successfully advocated to push back against a recent change from Aetna that implemented a new administrative fee for out-of-network dentists who receive paper checks for claim payments.
The decision, announced in July, raised concerns about limiting payment options and adding administrative burdens onto dental practices, according to a Sept. 17 news release from the American Dental Association. The move follows a similar ADA dispute with Delta Dental of California and affiliates, which announced a $15 weekly processing fee that, where legally permissible, applies to participating, fee-for-service providers who opt not to enroll in free electronic funds transfer and instead choose to continue receiving paper checks.
In response, the ADA developed a template letter for state dental societies and their member dentists, urging Aetna to reverse course. The organization also sent a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners alerting regulators at the national level to the fee policy.
The Illinois State Dental Society advocated directly with Aetna and raised the issue with the Illinois Department of Insurance, pushing back against fees that limited dentists’ payment options. Aetna announced it would not move forward with the planned changes for Illinois providers.
In 2023, the Oregon Dental Association helped pass legislation related to payment opt-in requirements. When Aetna’s fee surfaced, the organization raised concerns with both the insurer and Oregon’s Department of Consumer and Business Services. Aetna responded with an apology letter stating its earlier communication had been sent in error, and confirmed paper checks would remain available alongside direct deposit.
The Florida Dental Association also challenged the policy directly. Florida dentists received the same acknowledgment from Aetna — the original communication had been sent in error and paper checks would remain available.
“Unified in voice. Unified in purpose. Together, we can push for fairness for providers and patients when insurers stand in the way,” Richard Rosato, DMD, president of the ADA, said in the release. “Providers know what their practices need to thrive. We’re working together to protect that choice, helping practices remain viable in every community and standing together when insurers try to interfere.”
