Information about coronavirus and health insurance for consumers, insurers and medical providers.
Dental insurance and PPE
We’ve heard from consumers that some are being billed an out-of-pocket surcharge for personal protective equipment (PPE) by their dentists because their insurance won’t cover the cost. We have heard of patients being charged $10 to $30 for PPE.
Dental insurers can choose to cover it, and our office expedites reviews of plans to do so.
The following insurers have notified us they will cover the cost of PPE during dental procedures:
- Delta Dental.
Frequently asked questions about coronavirus and health insurance
Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding health insurance and the coronavirus pandemic.
Answers to frequently asked questions about insurance coverage for coronavirus testing and lab fees (PDF, 127.32 KB).
We update this page frequently, so please sign up for text or email notifications (GovDelivery.com).
Frequently asked questions about coronavirus and health insurance in other languages
Employer-sponsored health insurance
Many employers have contacted our office about how to maintain their employees' health coverage during the coronavirus pandemic. We have let all health insurers know they have flexibility in defining who is eligible for coverage under the employer-sponsored health plan. If an employer would like to try to keep their employees covered or have other questions about their health insurance, they should reach out directly to their health insurer or insurance broker.
Unemployment benefits are not regulated by our office. If you have questions about unemployment benefits, please contact the Employment Security Department (www.esd.wa.gov).
Kreidler encourages health insurers to work with employers who want to maintain employee coverage
Emergency orders and announcements
Commissioner Kreidler has the authority under state law to give direction to health insurers on coverage issues once an emergency has been declared by the governor.
- Gov. Inslee issues proclamation ordering equal payment for telehealth and in-person provider visits (www.governor.wa.gov)
- Kreidler orders health insurers to expand telehealth, testing coverage, extend premium grace periods
- Kreidler orders Washington health insurers to waive deductibles, coinsurance and copays for coronavirus testing
- Kreidler extends emergency order 30 days for waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing
- Kreidler calls on commercial labs to price fairly for coronavirus testing