What does the "coinsurance" clause in health policies require?

The coinsurance clause in health policies specifically requires the insured to pay a certain percentage of expenses after meeting their deductible. This means that once the insured has paid their deductible amount—a predetermined out-of-pocket cost—the insurer and insured will share subsequent costs, with the insured responsible for a specified percentage of those costs. For example, in an 80/20 coinsurance arrangement, the insurer covers 80% of the costs, while the insured pays the remaining 20%.

This arrangement encourages shared financial responsibility and helps to reduce overutilization of medical services, as insured individuals are more likely to consider the costs associated with their care. The other choices do not accurately reflect the purpose or implementation of coinsurance, as they either relate to flat fees, total coverage by the insurer, or focus solely on preventive care.