Question:
Why do I have to pay if I am covered by 2 insurers

I have Cigna PPO as my primary and Medicare as my secondary insurance but my surgeon's office is making me pay alittle over $2000.00 at my first consult with him. What is this for and does anyone else have these 2 insurance companies respectively? Thankyou    — gramof3 (posted on September 17, 2002)

September 17, 2002
I recommend that you contact Cigna PPO about this. In California, a Dr/Hospital would bill your primary insurance 1st, then your second. (This is called coordination of benefits). I would assume that if you got approval thru Cigna, then Medicare would pick up your co-pays and deductibles. Maybe your Dr. just doesn't know. Good luck.
   — Diana L.

September 17, 2002
Normally the Provider will only bill you for a Deductible, CoPay, or CoInsurance amount up front, if you have any of these on your policy. Maybe they are assuming also that your Primary Ins Co will pay more than Medicare's allowed amount for your procedure..if so, Medicare will not pay any more. I would ask them, and also check with your Primary to see what they say. Good Luck Nancy P
   — NANCY P.