Which plan provides employees with the option to use both HMO and non-HMO doctors?

The Point of Service (POS) plan is designed to offer employees the flexibility to use both HMO and non-HMO doctors. This means that enrollees can choose to receive care from a primary care physician within the plan’s network (typically associated with HMO options) and refer to specialists within that network, which usually requires prior approval. However, unlike a traditional HMO, a POS plan allows members the choice to go outside the network and see non-HMO providers, albeit at a higher cost sharing.

This hybrid nature of the POS plan is appealing because it combines the structured care of an HMO, characterized by lower out-of-pocket costs and coordinated care, with the freedom to access a broader range of providers for members who prefer or need that flexibility in their healthcare choices. Thus, the POS plan stands out as it accommodates both in-network and out-of-network providers, aligning with the needs of employees who may want more choices about their healthcare options while managing costs.