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Deductible:
The deductible is the dollar amount you must pay for health care before your health plan's benefit kick in. When purchasing coverage, you select the deductible amount you wish to pay; for instance, $2,500 , $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000. Your monthly premium does not contribute toward this amount.
Copay:
A copay is the flat fee consumers may pay for medical treatments and services. These vary by plan design and often include separate copays for physician office visits, prescription drugs, ER visits, surgical services and hospital confinement. You must typically pay your copay up front, at the time medical care is received. The amount will likely be printed on your insurance card. For instance, if your physician office visit copay is $10, then you will pay $10 every time you go to the doctor. You will still be responsible for your deductible and coninsurance, as will as any additional out-of-pocket expenses, once services have been billed.
Coinsurance:
The percentage of medical costs you owe once the insurance company covers its share. This typically kicks in once the consumer's deductible has been met. If the insurance company pays 80 percent for covered care, then the consumer will pay the remaining balance -- 20 percent. When it comes to coninsurance, the dollar amount you owe will vary because medical bills vary. The patient is often charged after the insurance company has paid its portion.