What is a POS plan?

If you have been shopping for low cost health insurance plans, you should know you have a variety of managed care options. Group plans like those offered through business health insurance programs are often the best choices for many people, providing a variety of coverage levels at reasonable prices. PPOs and HMOs are two of the most common forms of managed care plans, but there’s also a third option: the POS plan.

A POS plan is something of a hybrid of the other two managed care plans, with a network of preferred care providers and a system designed to keep costs low while providing high quality care to its subscribers. A primary care physician is recommended by not required. A PCP will help you coordinate your health care needs and will provide referrals to specialists as needed. You may also be able to visit specialists outside of your POS plan’s network of providers, but if you don’t have a referral, you may have to pay the entire cost yourself.

Self-employed health insurance plans that offer POS plans are more flexible than traditional HMOs. Members of a POS plan may see both in-network and out-of-network physicians, unlike an HMO, which will cover only in-network care. POS plans are usually more affordable than PPO plans, are flexible enough for members to self-refer as desired or to seek care in- and out-of-network. Because POS-plan members use referrals when they seek out-of-network care, their out-of-pocket costs tend to be lower.

Not all managed care plans are right for every individual or situation. If you are looking for a new family or employee health insurance, it’s crucial that you take all your health and financial needs into account. Consider too how much flexibility you may need and whether or not each plan’s network of providers and facilities offer locations convenient for you. There are affordable health insurance plans for everyone; you’ve only got to find the one that's right for you.

 

 

Source: Health Care Los Angeles

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