One of the most misunderstood Medicare subjects is the coordination of benefits (COB) for people entitled to Medicare on the basis of permanent kidney failure, otherwise known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Some people say the confusion stems from the fact that this category of Medicare as Secondary Payer (MSP) has changed its rules frequently over the past decade. Probably more of the confusion over this subject can be linked to the jargon we toss around when we discuss, explain and make decisions about ESRD and MSP. Wherever you work, you shorten words to letters or syllables for the things that are frequently said or just plain too long to say. Sometimes different areas of the same company may even use the same jargon for different meanings. This is often the case with the term ESRD. "He became ESRD on 12/1/95." Does that mean:
You can't possibly tell without knowing more, Right?? The term ESRD has come to mean several different things in the insurance industry. Our mission is to try to explain the various concepts using clear terms so there is no confusion over what it says.Therefore, the first part of this document will set a baseline of basic premises before we move to dual entitlement to try to eliminate the gap between what is said and what is heard, or understood. Page Last Modified: 09/26/06 |
