In billing terms, what term describes the amount the policyholder owes the provider after all other payments are applied?

• A. Cost sharing
• B. Surcharge
• C. Fee Schedule
• D. Discount

Answer: (A)

Cost sharing is the portion of healthcare costs that the insured must pay after the insurer has paid its share. It includes the deductible, copayment, and coinsurance that the policyholder is responsible for under the plan. After the insurer’s payment and any plan adjustments are applied to the bill, the remaining amount the patient owes falls under cost sharing. This distinguishes it from a surcharge (an extra fee), a fee schedule (the listed prices for services), or a discount (a reduction in price).