The amount that you pay for each medical service you get, like a doctor visit. The amount that you pay for each medical service you get, like a doctor visit. The amount you must pay for health care, before your health plan begins to pay. There is a deductible for each benefit period - usually a year. There may be separate deductibles for different types of services.
Deductibles can change every year.
The plan will either pay the medical provider directly or reimburse you for covered services after you have paid the bill and filed an insurance claim. When you need medical attention, you visit the doctor or hospital of your choice. In a managed care plan, this is another name for the primary care doctor who gives you basic medical services and who coordinates proper medical care and referrals. A health plan that provides care through contracted or employed physicians and hospitals located in particular geographic or service areas. HMOs emphasize prevention and early detection of illness.