Question
QUESTION: Hi John, let me first thank you for doing a great service. My question is: May I bill Medicare for services I have already paid. Let me explain. Medicare is my secondary carrier. I had trouble establishing my eligibility with Medicare and was not aware until recently that I have been eligible for part B since July 1, 2009. I've had medical services that I've paid and would now like to submit to Medicare as secondary. Can I do that or do I need to contact each of the providers of service to have them submit to Medicare. Thank you for your time. Happy New Year.
ANSWER: Hi Garrett
It appears that as of right now you do not have Part B. Therefore I am giving an answer based on that. If you already have part B, let me know what the effective date is.
You are past the open enrollment date for part B for new eligibles.
Now you must go to the local Social Security Office and apply for part B during the period of Jan to March of 2010. While there get a copy of Medicare and You 2010.
Your coverage under Part B will not start until 1 July of 2010. So you will not be able to file claims for Part B services received prior to that time.
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John, Garrett again. Thank you for such a speedy response. I DO have Medicare part B effective 07/01/2009. I do have my Medicare card showing I am eligible for Medicare A and Medicare B, part B being effective 07/01/2009. Medicare is my secondary insurance carrier. May I submit claims for reimbursement to Medicare for services I've already paid? If so I assume I would submit a copy of the provider billing along with a copy of an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from my primary insurance carrier. That being the case do you have an address for Medicare so that I can mail my claims? Thanks again for you help!!!! Garrett
Answer
Hi again
Go to medicare.gov. On the home page, right underneath the sign in area is a list.
On the top of the list is billing===click on it and on the right side of the page is the information you need. you will only get paid for treatment after the start fof part B.
Also call the Coordination of Benefits(COB) at 1-800-999-1118 and make sure they have the right information in your master file. Once that is corrected, the primary insurance will probably sent your EOMB directly to Medicare,
John
