What constitutes a "cost-sharing" arrangement in healthcare?

Cost-sharing arrangements in healthcare refer to the practice where both the insured individual and the insurer contribute to the overall medical expenses. This typically occurs through mechanisms such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance.

In a cost-sharing structure, the insured pays a portion of the healthcare costs directly, which can help manage overall spending and encourage responsible use of medical services. This system is designed to balance the financial responsibility between the insurer and the insured, thereby aiming to reduce unnecessary healthcare expenses and promote prudent use of resources.

The other options do not accurately describe cost-sharing. Plans where only the insurer covers costs imply no financial contribution from the insured, which contradicts the definition of cost-sharing. Contracts between pharmacies and suppliers relate to business transactions rather than patient-insurer financial agreements. Payment plans offered to patients might ease financial burdens but do not represent a shared financial responsibility in the context of healthcare costs covered by insurance.