Insurance Basics: Home

Cost Sharing

Health insurance protects you from paying the full cost of your care. But, you will likely still have to pay some money out of your pocket. Almost all plans call for “cost sharing”. That means your insurer pays for part of your care, and you pay for part.

Cost Sharing
How to Review Your Medical Bill

After you visit a provider, you may get a bill telling you how much you have to pay.

How to Review Your Medical Bill
Negotiating Your Costs

Since providers are able to decide how much to charge for out-of-network care, sometimes that charge might be higher than you expected.

Help for Caregivers

Are you caring long-term for a sick or disabled family member or friend? If so, you may sometimes feel alone and overwhelmed. Luckily, there are resources to help you.

Finding Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

If you or someone close to you has opioid use disorder, also called opioid addiction, you aren’t alone. The United States is in the middle of an opioid crisis. Find out about how you can afford treatment—no matter what your income level is—and about resources for support.

Shopping for Shoppable Services

For many health services, you have time to plan and shop around. If you’re getting the service in a hospital or health system, you may be able to check the price ahead of time at different facilities. You can also use the Shoppable Services tool on this website to learn the average price for the service in your area and surrounding areas.

Did You

Know

If you choose a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you´ll pay less each month than you would in a traditional plan. But, you´ll also have to pay more up front before your plan starts paying for your care.

Did You

Know

If your plan won't pay for a service, or pays less than expected, you can appeal.