What does COB stand for in dental insurance?

In the context of dental insurance, COB stands for Coordination of Benefits. This term refers to the process by which multiple insurance plans work together to determine the amount of coverage provided when a patient is covered by more than one plan. Coordination of Benefits is essential in avoiding overpayments and ensuring that expenses are equitably shared between the different insurers involved.

When coordinating benefits, insurance providers assess which plan is primary and which is secondary, applying rules to make sure that the total reimbursement does not exceed the total amount of the claim. This process helps to streamline the payment and helps patients receive the maximum allowable benefits from their various insurance policies.

The other terms, while they may sound similar, do not accurately describe the process used in managing multiple insurance claims in dental care contexts. For example, "Claim of Benefits" and "Coverage of Benefits" do not address the coordination aspect required when multiple insurers are involved, and "Certificate of Benefits" typically refers to a document outlining what services an insurance plan covers, not the process of managing multiple plans.