What does a higher out-of-network costs generally mean for the insured individual?

When out-of-network costs are higher, it indicates that the insured individual will likely face greater financial responsibilities when seeking care from healthcare providers who are not part of their insurance network. This can manifest in several ways, such as higher deductibles, co-payments, or overall out-of-pocket expenses associated with obtaining services from these providers.

As a result, individuals may think twice before seeking treatment from out-of-network providers, knowing that it will strain their finances. The increased financial burden can also lead to individuals delaying necessary care, thus potentially affecting their overall health and well-being. Therefore, the higher out-of-network costs directly correlate to a more significant economic impact on the insured, making this the correct explanation for the implications of elevated out-of-network expenses.