Definition:
A point-of-service (POS) plan is a combination of a health maintenance organization (HMO) and a preferred provider organization (PPO). Typically, POS plans have a network that functions like a HMO – you pick a primary care doctor, who manages and coordinates your care within the network. POS plans also allow you to use a provider who is not in the network. However, if you choose to go out-of-network for your care, you will pay more.
These plans are known as point-of-service, because each time you need health care (the time or “point” of service), you can decide to stay in the network and allow your PCP to manage your care or go outside the network on your own without a referral from your PCP.
