• Point of Service Plans (POS)

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. Just like 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.

The plus to having a Point of Service plan is the freedom to go on your own and chose providers or specialists outside the network.

You are never limited to medical providers your primary care physician refers. There will however be a reduction in the dollar amount the plan will pay when you go outside the network.

It is important to consider if it is worth it 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 other options less costly should be evaluated.

 

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