Ensuring Fair Reimbursement: AAE Advocates for Virtual Credit Card Protections 

Across multiple states, lawmakers are introducing legislation to regulate the use of virtual credit cards in health and dental insurance reimbursement. These measures address a growing concern among providers: insurers issuing payment via single-use virtual credit cards that may carry processing fees, often without clear advance disclosure or provider consent. 

Virtual credit card payments can impose transaction fees that reduce reimbursement for services already rendered. In many cases, providers are automatically enrolled in these payment methods without meaningful notice or are not offered a no-fee alternative. For endodontists providing urgent, medically necessary treatment, reduced reimbursement and administrative complexity can create barriers to delivering timely care. 

The legislation under consideration would prohibit insurers from requiring virtual credit card payments as the sole reimbursement method, mandate disclosure of any associated fees, and ensure that providers have the option to select alternative payment methods. Some measures also prohibit transmission fees unless the provider affirmatively consents. 

The AAE submitted formal letters of support for these bills, highlighting the importance of payment transparency and provider choice. Our advocacy emphasized that reimbursement practices must be fair, predictable, and free from hidden administrative costs that diminish compensation for patient care. 

By promoting transparency and consent-based payment systems, these reforms strengthen practice sustainability and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. The AAE will continue to advocate for policies that protect providers from unfair reimbursement practices and preserve patient access to specialty dental care.