What effect can not properly managing a deductible have on patients' healthcare costs?

Not properly managing a deductible can significantly impact patients' healthcare costs by resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses. A deductible is the amount a patient must pay for healthcare services before their insurance begins to cover costs. If patients do not pay attention to their deductible or choose not to utilize insurance effectively, they may find themselves paying more than necessary.

For instance, if patients are unaware of their deductible limits, they may delay necessary care until they have met their deductible, leading to higher costs if they need immediate treatment. Additionally, failing to budget for their deductible payments can lead to financial strain when unexpected medical issues arise, resulting in significant costs that may have been reduced through better management of their healthcare plan.

Conversely, the other options do not accurately reflect the financial implications of a poorly managed deductible. While managing a deductible may not directly influence insurance premiums or the likelihood of being denied coverage, failing to navigate it properly can indeed lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients.