Point of Service (POS) Insurance Plans

What is a POS plan?

A Point of Service (POS) plan has some of the qualities of HMO and PPO plans with benefit levels varying depending on whether you receive your care in or out of the health insurance company's network of providers.

How does a POS plan work?

POS plans combine elements of both HMO and PPO plans. Like an HMO plan, you will likely be required to designate a primary care physician who will then make referrals to network specialists when needed. Services rendered by your PCP are typically not subject to a deductible and preventive care benefits are usually included. Like a PPO plan, you may receive care from non-network providers but with greater out-of-pocket costs. You may also be responsible for co-payments, coinsurance and an annual deductible.

A POS plan may be right for you if:

• You're shopping for a plan with preventive care coverage included
• You want freedom to choose, your primary care physician is the only person that is required to be in-network and you retain the right to see physicians out-of-network
• You do not want to pay an annual deductible before coverage begins.

Read eHealthInsurance's Health Insurance Buyer's Guide: Five Steps to Buying Your Own Health Insurance.

*Definitions may vary by plan provider. Please read the provider's Summary of Benefits.