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Coinsurance applies to a percentage of the total cost of care, making this the correct choice. In health insurance terms, coinsurance is the amount the insured has to pay out of pocket for healthcare services after the deductible has been met. It is usually expressed as a percentage, meaning that both the insurance company and the insured share the costs of covered healthcare services.

For instance, if a health plan specifies 20% coinsurance, the insured will pay 20% of the costs for a covered service, while the insurance company pays the remaining 80%. This system incentivizes consumers to seek more cost-effective care, as they will be partially responsible for the expenses incurred.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of coinsurance. Fixed service prices refer to predetermined costs for services, which do not incorporate the shared payment aspect that coinsurance entails. The idea that coinsurance applies only to outpatient services is misleading, as coinsurance can apply to various types of services, including hospital stays and other inpatient care. Similarly, while there might be specific coinsurance considerations relevant to emergency room visits, this is not the defining characteristic of coinsurance itself, which is broader and applies across various healthcare settings and services.