What is a copay on a health insurance plan?
A copay is a fixed dollar amount you pay for a covered health care service, such as $30 for a primary-care visit, and it usually applies whether or not you have met your deductible, per HealthCare.gov (2026).
More on this topic: health insurance marketplace
What the government has said, on the record
Here's how a federal official described it, on the record:
“A fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service after you've paid your deductible.”
— Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (HealthCare.gov), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), HealthCare.gov Glossary, Copayment (source)
Editor's note: Official HealthCare.gov (CMS) definition. The $20 is an illustrative example; confirm current rules at HealthCare.gov.
Who said this
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (HealthCare.gov) · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
Also asked as
- What is a copayment?
Sources
Last verified: 2026-07-19