Coordination of benefits

Coordination of Benefits (COB) is the procedure used to pay health care expenses when a member is covered by more than one health plan. The procedure is designed to ensure that when each plan makes a payment for covered services, the combined total of those payments is not greater than the actual amount that was charged.

The COB procedure also designates which plan pays first and how much the other plan(s) must pay. One plan is determined to be the primary plan and its benefits are applied to the claim first. The unpaid balance is usually paid by the secondary plan to the limit of its responsibility. Benefits are thus coordinated between the health plans.

To coordinate your benefits properly, BCBSNC may need more information about your other health plan(s). If you have other active health insurance – including Medicare – or if your other health insurance was recently terminated, you must let us know.

Please download the appropriate COB form (listed below), complete and return to the address listed on the form. Instructions are included on the form.

Coordination of Benefits form Coordination of Benefits form (Medicare)

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