Been using my secondary insurance for everything by mistake. What do I do?

I've been a dependent on my husband's health insurance since 2021. 9 months ago, I started working and got free health insurance through my employer. I never used it because my husband's insurance is better.

I didn't know about the concept of primary and secondary insurance until TODAY when I tried booking an appointment using my employer's insurance because my husband's insurance was out of network for that particular provider.

Now I'm worried because I realized I've been using my secondary insurance for all my medical expenses by mistake.

My options seem to be: Option 1 – Call up both insurance companies and tell them about each other so they can do "coordination of benefits". But I'm guessing I'll have to pay back my secondary insurance and figure out how to get my primary insurance to pay for my expenses. Is there any penalty or any negative repercussions of doing this?

Option 2 – Start using my primary insurance from here on out and don't tell my insurances about each other. Is there any way for them to find out about it each other if I don't inform them? Could there be a problem in the future if I do this?

Option 3 – Something else that you all suggest?

This was a genuine mistake from my end but I fear insurance companies won't care about that. I'm anxious about how much money I might owe now.

I'm not from the US and the health insurance system here is scary and difficult to navigate. I'd really appreciate advice from this sub. Thank you

submitted by /u/aitathrowaway422023
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