Question:
Which Insurance... ???

I am totally confused by insurance companies to say the least. I am on disability so I have Medicare and APIPA. I'm not sure which one would be the paying one or who we even are supposed to ask for approval from. My doctor sent the request to APIPA and we are waiting but is that right? What is Medicare for? I was told they are my primary... no???    — RoosMom (posted on March 22, 2006)

March 22, 2006
I'm pretty sure about this, :) Medicare is your primary ins. which they cover 80%, APIPA,I haven't heard of, is probably your secondary and they pick up the rest, that is if they cover it. So you Doctor is probably sending the request to them to see if it's a covered benefit. Hope this helps
   — seanna

March 22, 2006
Medicare is your primary Health Plan, APIPA is your Medical Group. If you have a Medicare+Choice HMO, APIPA will handle the authorization process. If you are straight Medicare, APIPA will request authorization from CMS. Good luck on your journey.
   — nursenut

March 23, 2006
If your hospital is a "Center of Excellence" Medicare will pay, and if not, your other insurance will pick it up. Your Dr. should send request forms to both insurance companies
   — dande41

March 23, 2006
Also, Medicare should ALWAYS BE your primary. Don't change that ever. Write me if you want all the reasons so i don't have a big long post here. [email protected]
   — dande41