If you have Medicare and other health insurance or coverage, each type of coverage is called a “payer.” When there is more than one payer, there are “coordination of benefits” rules that decide which one pays first. The “primary payer” pays what it owes on your bills first, and then sends the rest to the “secondary payer” to pay. In some cases, there may also be a third payer.
Whether Medicare pays first depends on a number of things, including the situations listed in the chart. However, this chart doesn’t cover every situation.
Be sure to tell your doctor and other providers if you have coverage in addition to Medicare.
This will help them send your bills to the correct payer to avoid delays. If you have questions about who pays first or if your insurance changes, call the Medicare Coordination of Benefits Contractor (COBC) at 1-800-999 1118. TTY users should call 1-800-318-8782.
Download the attached PDF to view the Medicare chart.