Health insurance terms, explained in plain English
The Support Life Editorial Team · October 28, 2026 · 1 min read
Comparing plans is much easier once a few words make sense. Here are the ones you will see on every Marketplace plan.
- Premium: what you pay every month to keep the plan active, whether or not you use care.
- Deductible: what you pay for covered care before the plan starts sharing the cost. Many plans cover some preventive care before the deductible.
- Copay: a flat fee for a service, such as a doctor visit or a prescription.
- Coinsurance: your percentage share of a bill after the deductible, for example 20%.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: the most you would pay for covered care in a year. After that the plan pays 100% of covered services.
- Network: the doctors, hospitals and pharmacies the plan works with. Going outside it can cost much more.
- Premium tax credit: a federal credit that lowers the monthly premium for people who qualify based on income.
When comparing two plans, add up the yearly premium and the out-of-pocket maximum. That shows the realistic best and worst case for each plan.
This article is general information, not insurance, tax or legal advice. Plan availability, prices and rules vary by state and can change. The Support Life is a third-party marketing (TPM) agency. We are not an insurance agency, broker or carrier, we do not sell insurance, and we do not give insurance advice. We connect you with independent, licensed insurance agents, who handle all plan discussions and enrollment. We may be compensated by the agents or agencies we connect you with.
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