What is coinsurance Aetna?

Asked by: Stephanie Dicki  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)

Coinsurance. This is the percentage of health care expenses you pay after your deductible. Your health plan pays the rest up to any benefit or lifetime maximum.

What is difference between copay and coinsurance?

A copay is a set rate you pay for prescriptions, doctor visits, and other types of care. Coinsurance is the percentage of costs you pay after you've met your deductible. A deductible is the set amount you pay for medical services and prescriptions before your coinsurance kicks in fully.

Does 80% coinsurance mean I pay 80%?

What does 80/20 coinsurance mean? Simply put, 80/20 coinsurance means your insurance company pays 80% of the total bill, and you pay the other 20%. Remember, this applies after you've paid your deductible.

Does 20% coinsurance mean you pay 20%?

Coinsurance – Your share of the costs of a covered health care service, calculated as a percent (for example, 20%) of the allowed amount for the service. You pay the coinsurance plus any deductibles you owe. If you've paid your deductible: you pay 20% of $100, or $20.

Is coinsurance what I pay or they pay?

The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you've paid your deductible. The maximum amount a plan will pay for a covered health care service. May also be called “eligible expense,” “payment allowance,” or “negotiated rate.”

Deductibles, Copay, Coinsurance, and Out-of-Pocket Maximums

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Is 0% coinsurance good or bad?

It's great to have 0% coinsurance. This means that your insurance company will pay for the entire cost of the visit or session. But often, you first have to meet your deductible in order for the coinsurance to kick in. Read on below to find out more about deductibles.

Does coinsurance kick in after deductible?

Coinsurance is your share of the costs of a health care service. It's usually figured as a percentage of the amount we allow to be charged for services. You start paying coinsurance after you've paid your plan's deductible.

What if I need surgery but can't afford my deductible?

In cases like this, we recommend contacting your insurance, surgeon, or hospital and asking if they can help you with a payment plan. Remember that your surgery provider wants to get paid so they may be very willing to work with you on a payment plan.

Why do doctors bill more than insurance will pay?

It is entirely due to the rates negotiated and contracted by your specific insurance company. The provider MUST bill for the highest contracted dollar ($) amount to receive full reimbursement.

Why is my coinsurance 100%?

Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of a covered service. Until you reach your deductible, you'll pay for 100% of out-of-pocket costs. After you meet your deductible, you and your insurance company each pay a share of the costs that add up to 100 percent.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.

How much is a copay for an ER visit?

If you have insurance, data from the US Department of Health shows that the nationwide co-pay average for ER services after meeting your deductible is $412. The cost of care isn't the only consideration – time is important, too. The average emergency room wait time is four hours.

Is it better to have a higher deductible or coinsurance?

However, if you expect to have many health care costs, a plan with a lower deductible would be more cost-effective. A lower deductible means there will be a smaller amount that you will need to pay before the insurance carrier begins to pay its share of your claims: the coinsurance.

How to find Aetna copay?

Looking for your premium, deductible, copay/coinsurance and OOP max information? You can find them in your employer's summary plan document.

Do you have to pay coinsurance upfront?

No, usually you don't pay coinsurance upfront, because the health care provider has to send your insurance a finalized bill before you pay your percentage. On the other hand, copays are typically paid in office, because regardless of what the bill, you are only paying the pre-set amount of your copay.

What happens if you get surgery and can't pay?

You can take steps to make sure that the medical bill is correctly calculated and that you get any available financial or necessary legal help. If you do nothing and don't pay, you could be facing late fees and interest, debt collection, lawsuits, garnishments, and lower credit scores.

How to meet your health insurance deductible fast?

Consider these ways to meet your deductible before the end of the year.
  1. Order a 90-day supply of your prescription medicine. ...
  2. See an out-of-network doctor. ...
  3. Pursue alternative treatment. ...
  4. Get your eyes examined.

Do you have to pay your deductible if you're not at fault?

It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance policies require you to pay your deductible even if you are not at fault, while others do not. Reviewing your policy or speaking with your insurance agent to understand your coverage is important.

What is a good coinsurance percentage?

For employer-provided health insurance plans, the average coinsurance rates in 2023 are 19% for primary care and 20% for specialty care, according to KFF's annual survey. Coinsurance also applies to prescription medications. With private insurance plans, coinsurance percentages vary by prescription medication tier.

What is an example of a coinsurance?

Example of Coinsurance

Because the surgery is in-network and you have not yet met your deductible, you must pay the first $1,000 of the bill. After meeting your $1,000 deductible, you are then only responsible for 20% of the remaining $4,500, or $900. Your insurance company will cover 80%, of the remaining balance.

How does coinsurance work?

What is coinsurance? Coinsurance is a portion of the medical cost you pay after your deductible has been met. Coinsurance is a way of saying that you and your insurance carrier each pay a share of eligible costs that add up to 100 percent. The higher your coinsurance percentage, the higher your share of the cost is.

Why is Aetna so expensive?

Factors influencing Aetna insurance monthly costs

Plans with broader coverage and extensive benefits, such as lower deductibles, co-pays, and comprehensive services like dental and vision care, often come with higher monthly costs.

Is $200 a month good for health insurance?

Health insurance that costs $200 per month is a good deal in California. Silver plans typically cost $513 per month for a 21-year-old or $656 per month for a 40-year-old. The best way to get cheap rates is to use health insurance subsidies, which lower the cost of an insurance plan based on your income.

What is the average Aetna deductible?

In-Network: Individual $2,000 / Family $4,000. Out-of-Network: Individual $4,000 / Family $8,000. Generally, you must pay all of the costs from providers up to the deductible amount before this plan begins to pay.