8.0 Coordination of Benefits (COB)

8.1 CLHIA Guidelines

If a Member has coverage under more than one benefits contract (each, a "Plan"), whether administered by Pacific Blue Cross or otherwise, then the Provider must submit Claims in accordance with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association coordination of benefits ("COB") Guideline G4 – Group Health and Dental located at the following link:

Maximum Reimbursement

Total reimbursement will never exceed 100% of the Eligible Expense.

8.2 Coverage with Another Insurance Carrier

A Member whose additional coverage is with another health benefits carrier, continue to submit two Claims with the pertinent Plan information with each Claim to each benefits carrier.

Required Information

The amount paid by the primary Plan is always required when submitting a Claim where Pacific Blue Cross is the secondary Plan. Claims submitted without a statement from the primary benefits carrier indicating the amount paid for each line item will be rejected until this documentation is provided.

8.3 Dual Pacific Blue Cross Coverage

Automatic Coordination

For Members with more than one Policy, submit only one Claim. For electronic Claims, when there is more than one Policy, they will be coordinated automatically.

8.4 Provide all COB Information

To prevent the delay of assessment please provide any pertinent information that will assist Pacific Blue Cross in determining the order of payment.

Required Documentation

It is a requirement to retain proof of payment (copy of the Explanation of Benefits) when another health benefits carrier is involved. This assists with the processing of a Claim when Deductibles or limitations are reached under the primary Plan.

Primary Plan Termination

If the primary Plan is no longer in effect, please contact Pacific Blue Cross to provide the termination date.

8.5 Some Plans May Not Allow COB

The Member should verify COB eligibility with applicable Plan administrator as some Plans do not allow duplicate coverage.

8.6 Some Plans are Always Primary

A Plan that does not have a COB provision is always primary and pays before a Plan that does have a COB provision.

8.7 Some Plans are Always Secondary

Some plans always pay last.

Understanding COB Priority

Plans Without COB Provision
Always pay first, before plans with COB provisions
Plans With COB Provision
Coordinate with other coverage according to CLHIA guidelines
Plans That Always Pay Last
Some plans are specifically designated to be secondary coverage
Best Practice

When in doubt about COB order, consult the CLHIA guidelines or contact Pacific Blue Cross at 1-866-366-0430 for clarification.