What are POS and EPO plans?
Asked by: Berta Howe | Last update: October 29, 2023Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)
There are four main types of managed health care plans: health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), point of service (POS), and exclusive provider organization (EPO). The main differences between each one are in- vs. out-of-network coverage, whether referrals are required, and costs.
What is EPO and POS?
As you're selecting a health plan – whether it's ACA-compliant or not – you'll notice that the plans are labeled as either an HMO, PPO, EPO, or POS. These acronyms stand for Health Maintenance Organization, Preferred Provider Organization, Exclusive Provider Organization, and Point of Service.
What is the difference between EPO and POS plans?
An EPO doesn't usually allow you to seek care outside the network, while a POS may offer that coverage. EPOs are unlikely to require a referral to see a specialist, while POS plans will have this requirement. Both EPOs and POS plans tend to have lower premiums compared to PPOs.
What does EPO mean for a plan?
A managed care plan where services are covered only if you go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals in the plan's network (except in an emergency).
What is a POS plan?
A type of plan in which you pay less if you use doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that belong to the plan's network. POS plans also require you to get a referral from your primary care doctor in order to see a specialist.
What’s the difference between an HMO, a POS, and a PPO? | Health care answers in 60 seconds
What are the disadvantages of POS plans?
Disadvantages of POS Plans
Though POS plans can be up to 50% cheaper than PPO plans, premiums can cost as much as 50% more than for HMO premiums. While POS plans are cheaper than PPO plans, plan details can be challenging, the policies can be confusing, and many consumers don't understand how the associated costs work.
What does a POS plan allow patients to do?
Here's brief overview of each type of insurance coverage: POS: POS insurance plans are a hybrid between HMO insurance and PPO insurance, allowing you the freedom to choose an in-network provider or go outside of the network.
Is an EPO plan worth it?
The Benefits of an EPO Insurance Plan
It offers more flexibility than a HMO because there's no need for a referral from your PCP to receive specialist care. An EPO is competitively priced, too. It frequently offers more affordable premiums than a PPO. For many, an EPO is a happy medium between an HMO and a PPO.
What are the risks of an EPO plan?
EPO disadvantages:
You are responsible for the full cost of all other out-of-network services. Other out-of-pocket costs: While EPO premiums may be lower compared to other plan types, your EPO may charge deductibles and coinsurance. HMO and point of service (POS) plans generally do not assess deductibles.
Why is EPO better than a PPO?
A PPO offers more flexibility with limited coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. An EPO is more restrictive, with less coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. For budget-friendly members, the cost of an EPO is typically lower than a PPO.
Are epos and POS the same?
EPOS (exclusive provider organizations) combine features of HMOs and PPOs. They have exclusive networks like HMOs do, which means they are usually less expensive than PPOs. But as with PPOs, you'll be able to make your own appointments with specialists.
Is POS more expensive than PPO?
In general, the biggest difference between PPO vs. POS plans is flexibility. A PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, offers a lot of flexibility to see the doctors you want, at a higher cost. POS, or Point of Service plans , have lower costs, but with fewer choices.
Which is better HMO or POS?
Is a POS plan better than HMO? A POS plan might be better if you want coverage that offers out-of-network care, but an HMO might be a better bet if you're looking to pay less for health insurance. POS and HMO plans are similar in some ways, such as requiring a primary care physician and referrals to see specialists.
Which 2 types of insurance plans are most well known for being open access models?
PPOs are open access by definition. HMOs can be open access — but open access HMOs are not as flexible as PPOs.
What is the difference between gated and non gated EPO?
Gated/Non-Gated
Refers to the need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician before seeing a specialist. With a “Gated” plan, you need a referral, with a “Non-Gated” plan, you don't.
Which is better HMO or EPO?
EPO plans often have a more extensive network than HMO plans and do not give out-of-network benefits like PPO plans. One of the major benefits of EPO vs. HMO is that you won't have to choose a PCP, and you won't need a referral to see a specialist.
Does EPO cover emergencies?
EPOs generally have lower monthly premiums than PPO plans but members cannot receive covered care outside of their plan's work with the exception of an emergency.
Can I travel with EPO?
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
With an EPO plan, you're only covered for emergency care and accidental injuries when you travel outside your network in the U.S. or the rest of the world. If you're outside of the U.S., call 1-800-810-2583 to find local hospitals.
Do EPO plans have deductibles?
EPO deductibles are flat amounts, as shown on the Key Provisions chart. If you enroll any family members, you are responsible for two medical deductibles, one for yourself and one for all your family members combined.
Why is EPO cheaper?
The cost of a PPO plan will also increase the more often you take advantage of that freedom, as you are expected to cover a higher proportion of the costs incurred in seeing healthcare providers from outside the network. EPOs are usually cheaper due to the restrictions on which healthcare providers you can visit.
Why is an EPO called exclusive?
EPO stands for “Exclusive Provider Organization” plan. As a member of an EPO, you can use the doctors and hospitals within the EPO network, but cannot go outside the network for care. There are no out-of-network benefits.
Who needs POS?
What is POS? Point of sale (POS) refers to the place where retail transactions are made. A POS includes cash drawers, receipt printers, card swipers, barcode scanners, and more. POS is an essential feature for any businesses that sell products/services, whether online or in-store.
What happens if a non member physician is utilized under the POS plan?
*If a non-member physician is utilized under the Point-Of-Service plan, then the attending physician will be paid a fee for service, but the member patient will have to pay a higher coinsurance amount or percentage for the privilege.
What does POS stand for in Medicare?
The Point-of-Service (POS) option is offered in some Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans. Most HMOs only cover care from in-network providers, except in case of emergency. The POS option allows you to receive coverage for certain services out of network, but usually at a higher cost.