Which of the following best describes "cost-sharing" measures in health insurance?

Cost-sharing measures in health insurance refer to the out-of-pocket expenses that insured individuals must pay when they utilize medical services, which are then shared with their health insurance. This can include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. These costs help to create a shared responsibility between the insured member and the insurer for the overall expense of healthcare, thereby encouraging both responsible use of services and an awareness of healthcare costs.

For instance, when a plan member visits a healthcare provider, they may have to pay a set copayment or a percentage of the bill (coinsurance) after meeting a deductible. These mechanisms help manage claims and premiums while ensuring that members are engaged in their healthcare decisions.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of cost-sharing. Benefits entirely covered by insurance would not involve any cost-sharing, as the insurer bears all expenses. Expenses shared between insurance providers and healthcare professionals do not represent cost-sharing in the sense that it is member-centric; instead, it refers more to the relationship and agreements between providers and payers. Lastly, premium payments made solely by the employer do not involve members sharing costs; rather, they denote an employer’s contribution to an employee's healthcare coverage without the out-of-pocket costs reflected in cost-sharing.