The amount you pay before your health insurance company pays for anything during your coverage year. You will pay for most services until you meet this set amount every year. If you want a lower deductible, you will need to pick a plan with a higher monthly premium.
This amount does not include services not paid by your plan, such as monthly premiums, copays, and coinsurance payments, meaning paying them does not count toward your deductible. Be aware that you may have separate deductibles for medical services and prescriptions and in-network and out-of-network providers.