Point of Service Plans (POS Plans)
Point of Service (POS) plans have similarities to both PPO and HMO plans. As with Preferred Provider (PPO) plans, you are directed toward a network of contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics for your healthcare, but you can pay a larger out-of-pocket fee to visit an out-of-network provider. In line with the managed care policies of an HMO, your healthcare is administered according to a healthcare professional. With a Point of Service plan your primary doctor oversees your medical care and refers you to contracted specialists when the need arises. Akin to the philosophy of an HMO, POS plans promote health and wellness through prevention and education, in addition to treatment.
The upside to a Point of Service plan is the freedom to go out on your own and chose your own providers, even specialists, outside the network. You are never limited to medical providers your primary care physician refers. However, be aware, the dollar amount the plan will pay decreases when you go outside the network. You will pay approximately $600 a year for the privilege of being allowed to self-refer to out-of-plan practitioners, and your out-of-pocket contribution will be greater. It is wise to consider if it is worth it to you, as a consumer, to pay a higher monthly payment for the freedom to access specialists, physicians, and clinics of your choice. If you are relatively healthy and do not have a special relationship to a specific physician, then you might consider a managed care program that will charge you less to exercise less freedom in choosing a healthcare provider. If the freedom to self-refer to any healthcare practitioner or hospital you want is important to you, a POS plan may be your ideal fit.
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Read more about other types of plans:
PPO Plans
HMO Plans
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Self-Directed Health Plans (SDHP)
Prescription Plans
Discount Plans
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