If primary will pay for the back problem, then maybe you can stop paying the secondary premiums and by the the next enrollment it will be a moot point.
Actually it has been a boon having the secondary since I have had several MRIs, CTs, nerve ablations, injections, studies, ER trips (several via ambulance because I couldn’t walk), and surgeries since. To date, I have not had any lumbar surgery, but have had 2 C-spine surgeries, hip surgery, another hip surgery on the way, gall bladder removal, tons of PT and a hernia surgery. So in the end I pay nothing out of pocket, whereas I would be in the poor house otherwise.
Like I said, I’m not complaining. I did find the HR response curious when I originally asked the question though.