What is a copayment?

A copayment, commonly referred to as a copay, is a type of cost-sharing payment required of some health insurance holders in Washington. Copays are a set fee that the insured pays whenever they receive a health care service. This fee applies in addition to any applicable insurance plan deductible or coinsurance. The amount of a copayment may vary between health plans and can range from small costs such as a few dollars for an office visit up to large amounts such as a hundred dollars or more for a hospital stay. This money typically goes directly to the healthcare provider, who then files a claim with the insurance company for the remainder of the costs. Copayments are typically put in place to help encourage healthcare consumers to become more cost conscious when making decisions related to their health care.

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What is a copayment?

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