Many plans will have a deductible.You pay this amount out of your own pocket for health care each year before your insurance plan will start sharing the cost.

• The premiums you pay each month do not count toward your deductible.

• Bills for hospital stays, surgery, lab tests, imaging (X-Rays, MRIs, CAT scans), mental health care, and other covered care costs count toward your deductible.

• Some plans have a separate deductible for medicines.

• Low deductible plans often have higher premiums (premiums cost more each month).

• High deductible plans often have lower premiums (premiums cost less each month).

Remember that your deductible starts over at the beginning of each calendar year.