What is the difference between coinsurance and copayment?
A. Coinsurance is the percentage of covered medical expenses you must pay in conjunction with the percentage paid by United Health Care. These amounts together are called coinsurance because you (the member) and United Health Care (the insurance co) share the cost. Copayment – the charge you are required to pay for certain services. Usually a set dollar amount. For example a visit to a primary care physician has a $20.00 copayment, a specialist has a $35.00 copayment. Q. Do I have to meet a deductible before the plan pays any benefits? A. It depends on the type of service you receive. For example, if its is a doctor’s visit then a copayment applies. If it is a service where coinsurance is required such as outpatient surgery, the deductible will apply. Q. It looks like there is a deductible on the prescription drug plan. Is that something new this year? A. No, it is the same as 2008. There is a $50.00 deductible per individual up to a maximum ($100) for a family that will apply before t
