What is a deductible and how does it work?

A deductible is the amount of money that an individual must pay out of pocket for healthcare services before their insurance, such as that offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (GA), begins to cover the costs. This financial arrangement is common in many health insurance plans. When a person receives care, they must pay for their medical expenses until they reach their deductible. For example, if a plan has a deductible of one thousand dollars, the individual will pay the first one thousand dollars of their medical expenses, after which their insurance will start to cover a portion of costs according to the policy's terms. It is important to note that not all healthcare expenses may count towards the deductible. Certain preventive services, such as vaccinations and annual check-ups, may be covered fully without the individual needing to meet their deductible first. Once the deductible is met, the insured may still be responsible for co-pays or co-insurance, which are additional costs that the individual pays when they receive medical services. Understanding how a deductible works can help individuals plan their healthcare expenses and choose the insurance plan that best fits their needs. For more specific information regarding deductibles and coverage options, it might be helpful to check the current information available on the Blue Cross Blue Shield (GA) website.