capitation

noun

cap·​i·​ta·​tion ˌka-pə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a direct uniform tax imposed on each head or person : poll tax

2

: a uniform per capita payment or fee

3

: a capitated health care system

Examples of capitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of the healthcare industry continues to discuss capitation primarily through the lens of downside exposure and actuarial risk. —Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

The analysis covered net capitation payments made by Medicaid agencies in 35 states, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., on behalf of enrollees whose deaths preceded the monthly service period covered by the capitation. —Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 6 Mar. 2026

That is where capitation re-enters the conversation. —Robert Pearl, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin capitātiōn-, capitātiō, from Latin capit-, caput "head" + -ātiōn-, -ātiō -ation — more at head entry 1

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for capitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

capitation

noun

cap·​i·​ta·​tion ˌkap-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a fixed per capita payment made periodically to a medical service provider (as a physician) by a managed care group (as an HMO) in return for medical care provided to enrolled individuals

2

: a capitated health care system

Legal Definition

capitation

noun

cap·​i·​ta·​tion ˌka-pə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a direct uniform tax imposed on each head or person : poll tax

no capitation, or other direct, tax shall be laid

—U.S. Constitution art. I

2

: a uniform per person payment or fee

Etymology

Late Latin capitatio, from Latin caput head