Medicare coordination of benefits (COB) determines which insurance pays first when you have Medicare and another insurance. The primary payer pays first; the secondary payer pays after. Medicare is primary for most people 65+. Employer insurance is primary if you are still working and the employer has 20+ employees.
Key Points
- COB: determines which insurance pays first
- Primary payer pays first; secondary payer pays after
- Medicare is primary for most people 65+
- Employer insurance is primary if still working and employer has 20+ employees
- An independent agent can help you understand Medicare COB rules