CASAS key terms

The amount you must pay for covered health care before your insurance plan starts to pay its share. A higher deductible usually means a lower monthly premium.

The amount you pay regularly, usually each month, to keep an insurance plan active. It is paid whether or not you use medical services that month.

A fixed dollar amount you pay at the time you receive a service, such as $20 for a doctor visit. The insurance plan pays the rest of the charge.

A medicine sold under its chemical name instead of a brand name. It has the same active ingredient as the brand version and usually costs much less.

A written or electronic order from a doctor that allows you to buy a specific medicine. Pharmacies will not sell some drugs without one.

A store or department where medicines are prepared and sold. You give the staff your prescription and pick up refills there.

A scheduled time to meet a doctor, dentist, or other professional. You usually need to arrive early and may need to cancel in advance if you cannot come.

A request from your doctor sending you to a specialist for more care. Some insurance plans require a referral before they will pay for a specialist visit.

A place where people go for medical care, often for non-emergency visits. Clinics may be run by a hospital, a community group, or a private practice.

Signs in your body that something is wrong, such as a cough, fever, or pain. You describe symptoms to a doctor so they can decide what care you need.

The hospital unit that treats serious, life-threatening problems at any hour. It is more expensive than a clinic and is meant for true emergencies.

A written rental agreement that states how long you may live in a place and how much rent you pay. It lists rules both the renter and the owner must follow.

The person or company that owns a rented home and collects rent from the tenant. The landlord is responsible for repairs listed in the lease.

A person who pays rent to live in a home owned by someone else. The tenant must follow the lease and usually pays for utilities agreed to in it.

The money a tenant pays regularly, usually each month, to use a home. The amount and due date appear in the lease.

Services such as water, electricity, gas, and trash pickup that a home needs. The lease says whether the tenant or the landlord pays for them.

Money paid before moving in that the landlord holds in case of damage or unpaid rent. Part or all of it is returned after you move out if nothing is owed.

A plan that lists your income and your expected expenses for a period of time. It helps you see whether you will have enough money for your needs.

Money you receive from work, benefits, or other sources. It is usually listed on a pay stub or benefit letter and is needed for many applications.

Any money you spend, such as rent, food, or bus fare. Listing expenses helps you compare them with your income.

A paper or electronic record from an employer showing your pay, hours, and the taxes and other amounts taken out. It proves how much you earned.

Money an employer takes out of your pay and sends to the government for taxes. The amount depends on the form you filled out when you were hired.

A form you file with the government each year reporting your income and the tax you owe or are owed back. Filing on time avoids penalties.

A statement an employer sends each year showing how much you were paid and how much tax was withheld. You use it to prepare your tax return.

A form you fill out to ask for something such as a job, a benefit, or a loan. It usually asks for personal information and proof of income.

The rules that decide whether a person qualifies for a program or benefit. Eligibility often depends on income, age, residence, or family size.

Help a government or other program gives to people who qualify, such as money, food assistance, or health coverage. You usually must apply to receive it.

A community building that lends books and other materials for free and offers computers, internet, and classes. A library card is usually free to residents.

Public transportation such as buses and trains. Schedules and fares tell you when vehicles run and how much a ride costs.

A notice that an employer is hiring for a specific position. It describes duties, required skills, pay, and how to apply.

A short written summary of your work history, education, and skills. Employers use it to decide whether to invite you for an interview.

A meeting where an employer asks you questions to decide whether to hire you. You may be asked about your skills, experience, and availability.

A list of times when work, classes, or appointments happen. Checking it helps you arrive on time and avoid missing a commitment.

The person at work who directs your tasks and checks your performance. You report problems, absences, and schedule changes to this person.

A statement showing money you owe for a service or purchase and the date it is due. Paying by the due date avoids late fees.

The day by which a payment must be made. Missing it can add a late fee or harm your credit record.

A bank account used for everyday payments, deposits, and withdrawals. It often comes with a debit card and may charge fees if you keep too little money in it.

A printed or emailed record that shows what you bought and how much you paid. Keep it if you may need to return an item or prove a payment.

A store's rules about bringing back an item for a refund or exchange. It usually states a time limit and whether you need a receipt.

The legal status of being a full member of a country, with rights such as voting and holding a passport. People may become citizens by birth or through a process.

The legal requirement to serve on a jury when called. Citizens who receive a summons must respond, and employers must allow time off.

An official paper telling a person they must appear in court or answer a legal complaint. Ignoring it can lead to penalties.

A formal promise to tell the truth or to carry out a duty, often made before a judge or official. Giving false information under oath is a crime.

Instructions that tell how to get from one place to another or how to do a task. Listening for landmarks and turn words helps you follow them.

To ask questions or repeat information in your own words so you are sure you understood. It is a polite way to check meaning in a conversation.