In Canada, dental clinics began taking patients on June 1. Having to comply with the COVID-19 regulations of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking longer between patients to clean equipment, may mean that they will be passing on the expense to their patients in the form of additional fees. This could lead to a 10% increase in premiums.
Many Dental Associations have created specific procedure codes and integrated them into the systems, enabling direct reimbursement of these expenses. Many carriers are covering these expenses in Medical/Dental fees in Health Spending Accounts or Personal Spending Accounts.
Some carriers will reimburse PPE expenses to plan members who have dental care coverage in their group insurance plan until September 30, 2020, without rate increase. Reimbursements are retroactive to June 1, 2020.
In some circumstances, having to comply with COVID-19 regulations also means having to wear PPE. If someone is unable to tolerate PPE, and it is a job requirement, they can make a claim under their provincial workers’ compensation program. If it is covered under workers’ compensation it may not be covered under your health care plan. However, if the claim is denied, it can be submitted for for consideration of STD benefits.
Check with your carrier to see how these instances are being handled
or call your ENCOMPASS advisor to find out more.
Government of Canada Guidance Documents
