Co-Payments: FSA Eligibility

What is a co-payment?

Insurance plans can be structured in countless ways in terms of their deductibles, spending limits, co-insurance payments and other factors, but one of the most recognizable financial facets of most insurance plans is the co-payment that is paid out as medical services are rendered by healthcare professionals from a wide range of disciplines. In addition to appointments and consultations with medical professionals, co-payments can also be required for prescriptions, as well as urgent care visits to some facilities.

Co-payments are largely tied to the structure of the insurance plan, and alongside co-insurance payments and deductibles, co-payments are designed to help limit out-of-pocket medical expenses and protect the finances of account holders. While some plans may require a co-payment before each doctor visit, some plans may require co-payments for a series of visits before giving way to an annual deductible and co-insurance payment plan for all successive medical expenditures (Healthcare.gov).

Co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles are all extremely important factors to keep in mind when choosing a healthcare plan, as individuals must weigh their medical history, prospective premiums and regular care costs to find the appropriate plan that works for their needs.