Having a primary care physician is one of the most important things an individual can do for their health, as it helps ensure they receive regular check-ups, aids in preventive care and allows for intervention before more intensive treatment is required. However, according to a recent study by nonprofit organization Kaiser Family Foundation, 17% of women and 28% of men in the United States don’t have a primary care physician.

When a plan participant or beneficiary has Medicare and other health insurance, such as group health plan insurance, retiree coverage or Medicaid, there can often be confusion as to which insurance pays first on claims. Coordination of benefits (COB) rules, which are specified in plan documents or insurance policies, decide which insurance pays first.