What will typically happen if a patient has not met their deductible for a service?

When a patient has not met their deductible for a service, they are usually responsible for paying the full cost of that service. This is because the deductible is the amount that a patient must pay out-of-pocket before their insurance begins to contribute to costs. Until that deductible is satisfied, the patient bears the financial responsibility for the entire amount of the service provided.

This approach is common in many health insurance plans, as deductibles are designed to encourage members to share in the cost of healthcare and typically protect against full exposure to medical expenses once the deductible is met. Understanding this concept is critical for individuals navigating their medical expenses and insurance coverage.