Wed Dec 24 19:10:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Fidelis Care to Pay $3 Million+ Over Wrongful Billing for COVID-19 Tests, HIV Screenings
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Thursday a settlement with Fidelis Care, a New York-based health insurer, totaling over $3 million after an investigation revealed the company wrongly billed New Yorkers for COVID-19 testing related visits and certain HIV screening services.
The Attorney General’s Office (OAG) found that between October 2021 and August 2022, over 18,000 consumers were charged for more than 38,000 COVID-19 testing related office visits, and between January 2022 and May 2023, over 2,100 consumers were charged for more than 2,800 HIV screening services, despite state and federal laws mandating these services be provided without out-of-pocket costs during the federal Public Health Emergency. Some individuals faced bills totaling hundreds of dollars.
“No New Yorker should ever face a surprise medical bill for care the law says must be free,” Attorney General James stated. “Fidelis’ practices placed unnecessary financial stress on families who were simply trying to stay healthy during a public health crisis. My office will always stand up for New Yorkers when insurers fail to follow the law.”
As part of the settlement, Fidelis Care has reprocessed tens of thousands of claims and paid more than $2.8 million to affected providers. The company has also ensured providers canceled incorrect bills sent to consumers and has refunded patients who had already made payments. Furthermore, Fidelis has updated its internal systems to prevent future billing errors. In addition to the financial reimbursements, Fidelis will pay a $175,000 penalty to the state. The company is also prohibited from charging patients for HIV screening services and must cease collection efforts for services provided during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Future violations could result in fines up to $500 per violation.
The OAG is encouraging anyone who believes they have been incorrectly billed to contact the Health Care Bureau online or by calling 1-800-428-9071.
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