Question
Hello,
I have a client that has Medicare (Primary) with Medicaid (Secondary). They want to hold the billing for a few weeks because of the deductible issue. My question is, if the patient has Medicaid as secondary, why can't we bill Medicaid first for the deductible and get whatever they pay. If this is possible should we send the claim to both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time, or to Medicare only and they will do the cross over to Medicaid automatically.
Thank you,
JP
Answer
Hi Jorge!
You always have to bill the primary first. Secondary carriers will not pay until they see how much the primary will pay. When you bill the secondary carrier you must send them a copy of the check and explanation of benefits from the primary carrier for them to consider the bill.
Most Medicaid as secondary's are a part of the Medigap program. Which is once Medicare pays then they electronically submit the copay to the secondary.
Tricia
