noun.
One who, or that which, provides a service, commodity, or the means for subsistence.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
noun.
someone whose business is to supply a particular service or commodity
noun.
someone who provides the means for subsistence
Word Usage
"If a provider is allowed to charge an individual w/o insurance the same price that the provider negotiates with the insurance company why would an individual sign up for insurance?"