Understanding Coordination of Benefits

Coordination of Benefits (COB) refers to a provision in an insurance contract that applies when a person is covered by more than one insurance program. The provision requires that all insurance programs coordinate with each other in paying benefits to eliminate duplication or overpayment. The insurance program that pays benefits first is considered “primary” and the next insurance program to pay is considered “secondary.”

Under the FEDVIP, if you have a medical insurance plan that includes dental coverage, the medical carrier is considered the primary insurer and the FEDVIP plan is secondary. And although the dental benefits offered by the medical carrier may not be as extensive as those offered by the FEDVIP, the medical plan is still considered the primary payer under the FEDVIP Coordination of Benefits provision.

To help eliminate confusion and possible delays in payment and service, it is important that you provide information about any other dental insurance coverage you have on the enrollment forms when enrolling in the United Concordia FEDVIP program.

Other Benefits Briefs
Understanding Coverage for Fillings
About United Concordia’s Network
Understanding Alternate Benefit Provision

We also have a library of Dental Health 101 articles for you and your employees’ information. Please feel free to use these in your publications/communications as well.