Glossary · Costs
What is cost sharing?
Cost sharing is the share of covered costs you pay out of your own pocket, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It does not include premiums, balance bills from non-network providers, or non-covered services.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Cost sharing: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | Deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and similar charges | HealthCare.gov glossary: Cost sharing |
| Excludes | Premiums, balance billing for non-network providers, non-covered services | HealthCare.gov glossary: Cost sharing |
| Medicaid and CHIP | Cost sharing also includes premiums | HealthCare.gov glossary: Cost sharing |
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Questions
What does cost sharing mean in health insurance?
Cost sharing is the share of covered costs you pay out of your own pocket, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It does not include premiums, balance bills from non-network providers, or non-covered services.