Deductible

What a deductible is

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each plan year before your insurance starts covering most services. Once you've hit your deductible, the plan pays its share and you owe only the copay or coinsurance.

What it looks like in practice

Deductibles vary widely. Many commercial plans have annual deductibles between $500 and $5,000. Plans bought through HealthCare.gov or the New Jersey marketplace can have deductibles well above $5,000. NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) plans generally have no deductible — most visits are covered immediately. Medicare Part B has a small annual deductible (around $250).

Mental health visits often count toward your deductible like any other medical visit. If your deductible is high and not yet met, your first few therapy or psychiatry visits may cost more than later visits.

When this matters for you

If you haven't met your deductible, your out-of-pocket cost for the first few visits can be higher — sometimes the full negotiated rate. We tell you exactly where you stand on your deductible before your first visit, so you know what to expect. If cost is a barrier, we offer a sliding-scale rate; ask at intake.