How can patients reduce their out-of-pocket expenses with health insurance?

Choosing to seek care at in-network providers when possible is an effective way for patients to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses with health insurance. Insurance plans typically negotiate lower rates with in-network providers, which means that the patient’s share of the costs—such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—will be significantly lower. Staying within the network can also minimize surprise balance billing, where a patient might otherwise be billed for the difference between what the insurance pays and what an out-of-network provider charges.

This approach directly leverages the financial benefits built into health insurance policies, making healthcare more affordable and predictable for the patient. By contrast, using out-of-network services usually incurs higher costs, leading to greater out-of-pocket expenses. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial for overall health but does not directly alter insurance costs. Similarly, opting for high-deductible health plans may lower monthly premiums but often results in higher out-of-pocket costs during medical events, which does not effectively minimize overall expenses.