Final answer:
Cost-sharing measures such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance can reduce the amount owed by a patient to a health care provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
In health care, reducing the amount that a patient owes the provider can be achieved by implementing cost-sharing measures. One method is through the use of deductibles, where the patient must pay a certain amount out of pocket before insurance coverage starts. Copayments and coinsurance are other cost-sharing methods, where the patient pays a small amount or a percentage of the cost, respectively.
For example, a health insurance policy may have a $500 deductible, and once the patient has paid this amount, the insurance company will cover the rest of the costs. Additionally, a copayment may require the patient to pay $20 for each doctor visit, while the insurance company covers the rest of the expenses. Coinsurance may involve the insurance company paying 80% of the costs for repairing a home after a fire, with the homeowner responsible for the remaining 20%.