Which of the following is NOT considered a form of cost-sharing?

• A. Premiums
• B. Deductibles
• C. Co-payments
• D. Health savings accounts (HSAs)

Answer: (D)

Cost-sharing refers to the portion of healthcare costs that a policyholder is required to pay out-of-pocket in addition to their insurance premiums. This typically includes deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are not considered a form of cost-sharing. Instead, HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to save money specifically for medical expenses. Contributions to an HSA can be made pre-tax, reducing taxable income, and funds can be withdrawn tax-free for qualifying medical costs.

The other options—premiums, deductibles, and co-payments—are all forms of cost-sharing. Premiums are the regular payments made to maintain insurance coverage, deductibles are the amounts that must be paid out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs, and co-payments are fixed amounts paid for specific services at the time of care. In contrast, HSAs serve as a savings mechanism rather than a shared cost between the insured and the insurer.