What type of health plan allows a patient to see providers outside their plan but at a higher cost?

The correct answer is the type of health plan that allows a patient to see providers outside their plan but at a higher cost, which is a POS, or Point of Service plan. A POS plan combines characteristics of both Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).

In a POS plan, patients are typically required to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and need referrals to see specialists, just like in an HMO. However, unlike an HMO, POS plans also provide the flexibility to see out-of-network providers. While patients can access these out-of-network services, they will incur higher out-of-pocket costs compared to using in-network providers.

This structure is designed to provide patients with more choice and flexibility regarding their healthcare options, while still encouraging them to use the network of preferred providers to minimize costs.

In contrast, a PPO allows patients to see any provider without a referral, but usually incurs higher costs if out-of-network providers are chosen, making it somewhat similar to the POS but without the requirement for a PCP. Group insurance generally covers a predefined set of providers without the flexibility for out-of-network visits at an increased cost, and indemnity insurance provides broader access but typically requires patients to pay upfront