9cff82d2__Your_Indispensable_Guide_TIME__What_it_is
[Term] Deductible [Why it matters] Many Americans choose to buy health-insurance plans with very high deductibles because their premiums may be low, but they risk incurring thousands of dollars in unreimbursed expenses. Some reformers advocate a high-deductible plan, saying it forces enrollees to make better choices about what they want to spend money on in terms of medical expenditures. [What it is] 
The amount a patient must pay out of pocket before an insurer will begin paying claims. Health-insurance plans with higher deductibles cost less than plans with lower deductibles. Some expenses, like doctor visits, are often covered by insurance before a deductible is met.
Understanding the Health-Care Debate: Your Indispensable Guide-TIME
What it is