Under the birthday rule, who is primary for a dependent child?

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Multiple Choice

Under the birthday rule, who is primary for a dependent child?

When a dependent child is covered by two separate health plans, benefits are coordinated so the child’s costs are paid efficiently. The plan of the parent whose birthday comes first in the calendar year is the primary payer for the child. The other parent’s plan is secondary and will coordinate after the primary has paid, avoiding duplicate payments. For example, if one parent’s birthday is February 4 and the other is August 17, the February 4 plan pays first as primary. If there are remaining eligible expenses, the August plan pays second as secondary. The other factors listed—last name, income, or length of marriage—do not determine which plan pays first under this rule.

When a dependent child is covered by two separate health plans, benefits are coordinated so the child’s costs are paid efficiently. The plan of the parent whose birthday comes first in the calendar year is the primary payer for the child. The other parent’s plan is secondary and will coordinate after the primary has paid, avoiding duplicate payments.

For example, if one parent’s birthday is February 4 and the other is August 17, the February 4 plan pays first as primary. If there are remaining eligible expenses, the August plan pays second as secondary.

The other factors listed—last name, income, or length of marriage—do not determine which plan pays first under this rule.

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