Report suspected fraud related to COVID-19 test prices

Home Bulletins Commissioner bulletins – 2020 B-0037-20 November 2, 2020 To:   All regulated entities, their agents, and other relevant parties Re:   Report suspected fraud related to COVID-19 test prices The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) encourages all insurance companies and others to report suspected fraud regarding COVID-19 test prices. Insurers are reminded that they have a statutory duty to report suspected fraud to the TDI Fraud Unit. In Texas, it is a crime to knowingly charge two different prices for the same product or service and the higher price is charged because an insurer will pay all or a part of that cost. The TDI Fraud Unit conducts criminal investigations of fraudulent insurance acts, including illegal pricing schemes committed by health care providers. TDI encourages anyone who suspects fraud relating to the overcharging of COVID-19 tests to file a report on the TDI website or call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439. The Texas Office of the Attorney General investigates price gouging for necessities in a declared emergency. To report suspected price gouging, file a complaint on the Attorney General’s website or call 800-621-0508. For more information, contact: ChiefClerk@tdi.texas.gov Last updated: 11/14/2023