copay

[ koh-pey ]

noun

1. a small fixed amount required by a health insurer to be paid by the insured for each outpatient visit or drug prescription.

Word History and Origins

Origin of copay¹

1970–75

Example Sentences

Her job with the Los Angeles Unified School District comes with health insurance that covers the pricey drugs and charges her a copay of $30 a month for her Mounjaro prescription.

From Los Angeles Times

Another big unknown, Arnold said, is what happens when pharmacies can’t see whether an insurance plan is going to cover an entire claim, potentially resulting in reimbursement problems for health systems and higher copay charges for patients after they get their medication.

From Seattle Times

Medication costs may be subject to a copay, depending on your insurance.

From Los Angeles Times

Medication costs may be subject to a copay, depending on your insurance.

From Los Angeles Times

Many commercial insurance plans cover the medication, and Pfizer, which makes Paxlovid, offers a program that can bring down or even eliminate the copay cost.

From Seattle Times