What does "no cost-sharing" refer to in health insurance terms?

The term "no cost-sharing" in health insurance refers to situations where out-of-pocket expenses are eliminated for covered services. This means that the insured does not have to pay any part of the costs for certain healthcare services. Under "no cost-sharing," beneficiaries can access services like preventive care, check-ups, or screenings without incurring any co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket expenses. This concept is particularly important because it promotes access to necessary healthcare services without financial barriers, encouraging individuals to seek appropriate medical attention.

The other options involve scenarios where some form of cost is still present to the insured. For example, co-payments represent a shared cost between the insurer and the insured. Similarly, waiving deductibles in specific situations does not eliminate cost-sharing entirely, as the individual may still be responsible for other costs related to their care. Finally, reducing premiums for preventive services refers to alterations in payment structures but doesn't imply that out-of-pocket expenses are entirely absent. Thus, the correct understanding of "no cost-sharing" directly aligns with the idea of eliminating any out-of-pocket costs for covered services altogether.