What does the 'Cost-Sharing Reduction' target to decrease for consumers?

The 'Cost-Sharing Reduction' program is specifically designed to lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible consumers who have health insurance plans obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This includes reductions in deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, which are costs that individuals pay when they receive medical services or prescriptions.

By targeting out-of-pocket expenses, the program aims to make healthcare more affordable for those with lower incomes, thereby helping to reduce financial barriers to accessing necessary care. The focus on out-of-pocket costs allows individuals to manage their healthcare expenses better and encourages them to seek medical services without the fear of excessive costs.

While other options like total premiums and insurance premium tax credits involve the overall cost of health insurance, and provider network size refers to the availability of healthcare providers, they do not specifically align with the aims of the Cost-Sharing Reduction program, which is centered on alleviating the burden of immediate costs encountered when receiving care.