Understanding Coordination of Benefits (COB): What You Need to Know

At Lakeside Counseling Center, we want to ensure that your care and coverage go as smoothly as possible. One common insurance requirement that often causes delays in claims processing is something called Coordination of Benefits, or COB.

What Is Coordination of Benefits (COB)?

Coordination of Benefits (COB) is the process insurance companies use to determine which plan pays first when a patient is covered by more than one health insurance policy. This helps prevent duplicate payments and ensures that claims are processed correctly and efficiently.

If you have  two insurance policies—such as through your employer and a spouse or parent—it is your responsibility to let both insurance companies know about the other coverage. This allows them to coordinate and correctly apply benefits when you receive care.

Why Is COB the Patient’s Responsibility?

Insurance companies require up-to-date COB information to pay claims. Because only the patient (or the patient’s guardian) can verify who holds primary and secondary coverage, you must notify each insurer directly.

Without this information, your claims may be delayed, denied, or left unpaid altogether—leaving you with unexpected out-of-pocket costs or account balances that could go to collections.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete COB?

If you do not complete the COB process in a timely manner:

• Your insurance claims may be denied or held, even if services were covered.

• You may be responsible for the full cost of services until COB is completed.

• It can cause delays in billing, and you may receive confusing or incorrect statements.

• In some cases, failure to resolve COB can affect future appointments or interrupt continuity of care if billing issues are not addressed.

How to Complete COB

There are two ways to complete your Coordination of Benefits:

1. Online Through Your Insurance Portal

If you have an online portal account, log in and look for options labeled “COB” or “Coordination of Benefits.”

Some portals also offer chat or email features. You can use these to ask for help or confirm what steps to take.

2. By Calling Member Services

Call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card.

• Tell the representative you need to complete a Coordination of Benefits.

• They’ll ask a brief set of questions—usually confirming which insurance is primary and whether any other coverage exists.

When to Complete COB

We recommend completing COB as soon as possible if you:

• Recently added or changed insurance policies.

• Are covered under a family member’s or spouse’s plan in addition to your own.

• Have been notified by your insurance or provider that COB is pending.

Final Note from Lakeside Counseling

We’re here to support your wellness journey—not to add stress with billing concerns. Helping your insurance coordinate benefits ensures that your claims process smoothly and you can focus on what really matters—your care.

If you’re unsure whether your COB is up to date or need help understanding the process, don’t hesitate to contact our front desk team. We're happy to guide you.