Coordination of benefits (COB) occurs when a patient is covered under more than one insurance plan. This process lets your patients get the benefits they are entitled to. It helps determine which company is primarily responsible for payment. It also helps avoid overpayment by either plan and gets you paid as quickly as possible.
When a patient comes to you, you can submit an eligibility and benefits inquiry. We will inform you if the patient is covered and which plan is primary.
Log in to submit an electronic COB claim
When Aetna is secondary, you will need to include the appropriate code on your claim that tells us information about the primary payer’s payment.
Adjustment codes list for coordination of benefits (COB) claims (PDF)
Contact the practice management support team and/or the clearinghouse you use to submit your electronic claims. They may have their own guidelines or tips about submitting COB claims.
Use one of our vendors to submit COB claims
Submit claims through Availity
* We can accept both Medicare Part A and Part B claims electronically from Medicare. If the Medicare electronic remittance advice (ERA) or Explanation of Payment (EOP) contains an "MA 18" or "N89" remark code, the Medicare carrier has automatically sent us your claim. In these cases, you don't have to send us a Medicare primary COB claim.
We participate in COB Smart™, a Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare® solution.
Visit the CAQH website for more information on COB Smart
If you share our COB form with your patients, it will help you collect the data you need.
Use our secure provider website to access electronic transactions and valuable resources to support your organization.
Find forms for claims, payment, billing. Medicare, pharmacy and more.
Use our online referral directory to find a doctor or hospital.
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Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.
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Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
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Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
Links to various non-Aetna sites are provided for your convenience only. Aetna Inc. and its subsidiary companies are not responsible or liable for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of linked sites, or for products or services described on these sites.
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Each main plan type has more than one subtype. Some subtypes have five tiers of coverage. Others have four tiers, three tiers or two tiers. This search will use the five-tier subtype. It will show you whether a drug is covered or not covered, but the tier information may not be the same as it is for your specific plan. Do you want to continue?
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The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Medical Necessity Guide helps determine appropriate (medically necessary) levels and types of care for patients in need of evaluation and treatment for behavioral health conditions. The ABA Medical Necessity Guide does not constitute medical advice. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. Members should discuss any matters related to their coverage or condition with their treating provider.
Each benefit plan defines which services are covered, which are excluded, and which are subject to dollar caps or other limits. Members and their providers will need to consult the member's benefit plan to determine if there are any exclusions or other benefit limitations applicable to this service or supply.
The conclusion that a particular service or supply is medically necessary does not constitute a representation or warranty that this service or supply is covered (i.e., will be paid for by Aetna) for a particular member. The member's benefit plan determines coverage. Some plans exclude coverage for services or supplies that Aetna considers medically necessary.
Please note also that the ABA Medical Necessity Guide may be updated and are, therefore, subject to change.
Medical necessity determinations in connection with coverage decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. In the event that a member disagrees with a coverage determination, member may be eligible for the right to an internal appeal and/or an independent external appeal in accordance with applicable federal or state law.
