Insurance Center

There's a big difference between having a co-pay plan with an employer and having to put money out of one's own pocket for medical expenses.

Not many people really understand the differences between a co-pay situation and a no pay situation. The co-pay is an arrangement with an employer to pick up part of the doctor's bill after a visit. This is actually a "benefit", not health insurance, although many people think it is health insurance. In any other circumstances, meaning not having a co-pay arrangement through an employer, the person will be paying the doctor's office fees themselves.

If you leave the company you work for and you had co-pay benefits, then you will have to get your own health insurance. Someone who has been used to having that nice co-pay benefit figures they only have to call a health insurance company and ask for that insurance. Although it is a type of health insurance people may get, the deductibles are staggering for an individual, as this is usually something a large company offers to workers.

If you're used to the co-pay arrangement and would like to stay with that kind of arrangement, talk to your local insurance agent and find out what suits your needs and your special circumstances.