capitation

[ kap-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a numbering or assessing by the head.
2. a poll tax.
3. a fee or payment of a uniform amount for each person.

capitation

/ ˌkæpɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. a tax levied on the basis of a fixed amount per head
2. capitation grant
   a grant of money given to every person who qualifies under certain conditions
3. the process of assessing or numbering by counting heads

Derived Forms

• ˈcapitative, adjective

Other Words From

• capi·tative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitation¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from French, from Late Latin capitātiōn- (stem of capitātiō ), equivalent to Latin capit- (stem of caput ) “head” + -ātiōn noun suffix; -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of capitation¹

C17: from Late Latin capitātiō, from Latin caput head

Example Sentences

It is based on the ability of the state’s integrated medical groups to provide high-quality care at a lower cost by receiving monthly revenue per enrollee, a payment system known as capitation.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s called capitation, and the idea was to encourage medical providers to be more efficient.

From Los Angeles Times

If the doctors overprescribe, they could lose money on patient care; if they keep services under control, they pocket more of the capitation for themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

Iora, for example, operates through Medicare Advantage on what is known as a capitation system, getting a set amount for the care of each patient that includes health coaching.

From New York Times

The survey was the first independent study concerning the payment model known as capitation, or payment transformation.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• contribution
• cost
• duty
• expense
• fine
• levy
• price
• rate
• tariff