Which statement describes a POS (Point of Service) plan?

• A. A discount card program
• B. Blend of HMO and PPO, includes out-of-network coverage, need referrals, higher costs
• C. A plan without a network
• D. A plan with no referrals required and no network restrictions

Answer: (B)

Point of Service plans mix features of HMOs and PPOs. They usually require you to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals to see specialists, like an HMO. At the same time, you have the option to receive care outside the network, with some coverage, but at higher costs, which is a PPO-like feature. This combination—referrals plus out-of-network coverage with higher costs—best describes a POS plan. The other options don’t fit because a discount card isn’t insurance, a plan without a network isn’t a typical POS, and a plan with no referrals and no network restrictions aligns more with a PPO.