What are the benefits of having primary and secondary medical coverage?

Answer 1

to my knowledge, most states only permit residents to buy medical supplements that pay expenses not covered by primary health plan, as opposed to two major medical plans. reasons have something to do with problem designating which is responsible for paying what expenses.

supplements or extra PIP (personal injury protection) coverage on your auto policy are excellent for paying expenses such as high deductibles or the like if you're injured in a car accident, or you need a resource for a high deductible of four figures. PIP covers your medical regardless of whose fault accident is, and deductible insurance reimburses you within a month of writing a four figure deductible if you have a policy.

secondary or supp coverage isn't necessary if you keep a cash reserve handy you can access in the event of a major medical emergency, for persons under 65. people on medicare are smart to carry supplement (AARP or the like) because extra expenses amount quickly.

I think the answer depends on how you are defining secondary medical coverage. I don't see any benefit to having two major medical plans. However, that can be significant benefit in putting a packaged solution of major medical and one of more supplemental plans for greater use of resources.

Example: A $1500 family deductible plan for my family is $1061 from Blue Shield of California. I can also get a $4800 family deductible plan for only $574. Since I don't like the exposure of an additional $3300 of deductible I can add secondary supplemental coverage such as a $5000 accident plan for $30 a month and a critical illness plan for about $50. Collectively I have shielded myself from much of the added exposure by layering on other coverage to pay for the things that woul likely cause me to have to pay the high deductible.