What is the purpose of a copayment?

A copayment, often referred to as a copay, is a fixed amount that a patient pays for specific medical services or prescriptions at the time of the visit or when obtaining medication. The primary purpose of a copayment is to cover a portion of the total bill for services rendered by healthcare providers. This system helps share the costs between the insurance provider and the insured individual, facilitating access to healthcare while also managing expenses.

Although encouraging regular health visits and establishing a network of care providers are indeed important aspects of health insurance and management, these do not directly describe the primary function of a copayment. The copayment is specifically designed to require patients to contribute a fixed amount, thereby engaging them in their healthcare decisions and encouraging them not to avoid necessary medical care due to cost concerns.