Define 'copayment'.

A copayment, often referred to as a copay, is a fixed amount that an insured individual pays directly to a healthcare provider at the time a service is rendered. This amount is predetermined by the health insurance plan and typically applies to specific services such as doctor visits, prescription medications, or emergency care.

For example, if a health plan has a copayment structure where individuals pay $20 each time they visit a primary care physician, this amount is charged regardless of the actual cost of the visit. It serves as a cost-sharing mechanism between the insured and the insurance company, helping to reduce the burden on the insurer by encouraging responsible use of healthcare services while ensuring that patients contribute to their own care.

The other options refer to different aspects of health insurance: one describes the concept of coinsurance, which involves shared costs but as percentages rather than fixed amounts, another refers to premiums – the total costs paid for insurance coverage over time, and the last one relates to benefit limits, which cap the coverage amount for specific services. Understanding copayments is essential for navigating health insurance plans and managing healthcare expenses effectively.