Copay

What does Copay mean on a medical bill?

A copay is a flat amount you pay for a covered visit, test, or prescription, set by your plan and usually printed on your insurance card. It does not change with the size of the bill, and for many plans it applies whether or not your deductible is met. A copay you hand over at the front desk should show up later as money already paid, both on the provider's bill and on the EOB. When it does not, you are being asked for the same money twice.

What does Copay usually cost?

It is set by your plan, not by the provider, so the same visit carries the same copay wherever your plan says it applies. Anything the provider collects on top of it should show up as a separate line you can trace back to the EOB.

What should I watch out for with Copay?

• A copay collected at check-in that never shows as paid on the statement — ask the biller to post it
• Being billed a copay and coinsurance for one visit — ask which the EOB says applies
• An urgent care visit charged at the emergency room copay — ask which place of service the claim used