Question
QUESTION: I have Medicare Part A only as primary and UHC as secondary. I have had a recent major surgery and am having trouble getting UHC to pay the doctors' (Part B) claims. They keep denying saying that Medicare needs to pay primary. Since I do not have part B, Medicare will not consider these charges. I have contacted UHC but they will not budge on this. Any suggestions?
ANSWER: Hi Diane
What is UHC? An advantage plan or original Medicare??
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: United Healthcare - it is a group policy through my spouse's previous employer (he is already retired)
Answer
Hi again
Bad news. They are right. As soon as he left work, Medicare became primary and you should have gotten Part B. You can apply for Part B until the end of March. It will will be effective as of 1 July.
If they have not already done so, ask the providers to bill Medicare and you should receive a notice of denial from Medicare. Then send a copy of the denial to UHC. If they do not pay, you will be responsible for the costs.
John
