What are co-payments in health insurance plans through GCI?

Co-payments are defined as fixed amounts that insured individuals pay for specific health services. This means that when a person accesses certain healthcare services, such as visiting a doctor, filling a prescription, or receiving a specialist's care, they are required to pay a predetermined fee at the time of service.

This structure helps individuals manage their healthcare costs by providing clarity on what they need to pay upfront, making it easier to budget for healthcare expenses. Unlike variable amounts based on income or payments that could vary depending on the type of service, co-payments remain consistent for the specific services outlined in the insurance plan.

This is distinct from other types of payments that may apply only in certain situations, such as emergency services or those associated with annual enrollment, which are not typically categorized as co-payments.