Companies are charging hidden 'covid fees' to make up for lost profits. They may be illegal.

[Wicked Blue]

Washington Post
By Hannah Denham
Feb. 5, 2021 at 8:05 a.m. EST

Nearly a year into the pandemic’s gutting of the economy, businesses across the country are increasingly charging coronavirus-related fees, ranging from a $5 disinfection charge in a hair salon to $1,200 for extra food and cleaning in a senior living center, which are often undisclosed until the customer gets a bill.

According to a survey by The Washington Post of attorney general offices and financial departments in 52 states and territories, U.S. consumers in 29 states have filed 510 complaints of coronavirus-related surcharges at dentist offices, senior living facilities, hair salons and restaurants.

Hidden fees are a legitimate concern for consumers, especially for economically vulnerable Americans or senior citizens without income, but not every state protects consumers from them. While medical insurance law in some states requires health-care providers to offer refunds to patients who have been unfairly charged for personal protective equipment, other states allow for businesses to tack on extra fees, as long as they’re disclosed upfront.

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For instance, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) sent a cease-and-desist letter to 11 senior living facilities in August after 45 residents reported being charged $900 each in “supplemental COVID-19 fees.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/road-to-recovery/2021/02/05/coronavirus-fees-pandemic-business/

[dalton99a]

1. The greedy gougers should be exposed as a public service

[LeftInTX]

2. Most restaurants have increased prices and have done away with specials

[Ms. Toad]

3. My spouse's dentist had tacked on a COVID fee

Which is incredibly ridiculous, since precautions for COVID are not much different than the universal precautions they have been taking since AIDS reared its ugly head (in connection with dentistry) in the 80s.

[MurrayDelph]

4. When I'm king

The only fees that can be tacked on to a bill are ones that have been governmentally assigned. No Covid fees, resort fees, or "energy surcharges."

[Liberal In Texas]

5. Curbside groceries have extra fees.

Pick-up fee and "personal shopper fee." Plus some have a tip already included that you can change up or down if you want.

Now I have no objection for this money being used to pay the staff who I consider essential workers risking infection. But who knows if that's the case.