What makes POS health insurance better?

When you talk about the health insurance coverage types, the ‘Point-of-Service’ POS will come into the discussion. This is one of the most preferred types of coverage right now in the market. The POS is simply referred to as the managed care insurance system, and this insurance type effectively combines the features of the HMO and the PPO. Under this type of coverage, the members will be given the option to effectively choose the medical services that are needed, and whether or not they will go to the medical provider within the network of the insurance provider or they can get the medical assistance from practitioners outside of the network of the provider.

This kind of plan is also called the open-ended HMO or the open-ended PPO, since the POS offers the approved network of the medical practitioners and medical services for the holders of the policies and the members can choose from the given list. The only difference between the POS and the other two types of health insurance coverage is that the POS will allow the users to take in the services of medical practitioners outside the network. This kind of service coverage is popular for a number of reasons. Here we list some of the major advantages of the POS:

1. Entitles policy holders of maximum freedom. Users are given the freedom of choice, and just like the PPO the users can effectively mix the type of care to be received. For example, a member of the family can get medical services and medical support from outside the network and you on the other hand will only get the medical services from a practitioner coming from the network.

2. Minimal co-payment. Only a minimal amount will be paid for the network coverage. In many cases, the co-payment that you have to shell out is low, something like $10 per treatment or per visit. Plus, you also retain the right to get the care outside of the network at the lower level of coverage.

3. No deductible. Generally, there will be no deductible, so the coverage will start from the first dollar that you spend as long as you are within the network of doctors.

4. You are also free to see any doctor or physician even without consulting the primary care physician or the PCP. If you go outside of the network, then be prepared to pay an extra. There will be substantial out-of-pocket charges for the care provided outside the network.

5. Also, the out-of-pocket costs will be limited. The costs that come out of your pocket like deductibles and co-payments will be limited. For individuals, the usual limit is pegged at $2,400 and for families the limit is pegged somewhere $4,000.

These are the main reasons why everyone takes a good look at the POS coverage. Almost all medical insurance providers cater to POS, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield system is one of those providers. With around 4.8 million POS products, you can bet the service and coverage of their system is good. Coverage of the system includes the 50 states plus DC and Puerto Rico.