Coordination of Group Health Benefits with Medicare

On May 7, 2021, Insurance Commissioner Nicolopoulos issued Bulletin INS 21-028-AB which provides additional guidance to health carriers regarding the coordination of benefits (COB) with Medicare for group health plans.

New Hampshire law prohibits the use of a COB provision to reduce benefits provided under the plan when “a person is or could have been covered under another plan, except with respect to Part B of Medicare.” The Insurance Department interprets the state’s benchmark plan to permit an insurer to reduce group health plan benefits regarding Medicare Part B only. The bulletin further explains that a group health plan may only coordinate benefits with Medicare when Medicare is the primary payer according to federal rules.

While this bulletin is directed at health carriers, employers should be aware of this guidance.

INS 21-028-AB »