The three mainstays of the health insurance industry are HMO, POS and PPO plans. All three health insurance policy plans are available online. HMO and PPO plans have many similarities, but distinct differences.

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization.  This is the most common form of health insurance.  The insurer has assembled a group of physicians, hospitals, specialized care facilities, nurses, pharmacies, nurses and assorted health care professionals to perform health care services.  The insurer has negotiated for fees to cover these services which are detailed in the policy.  At the core of the HMO plan is the primary care physician.

Under the terms of an HMO policy, the subscriber must select a physician in the plan who will serve as the primary care physician for the subscriber.  All care for the subscriber channels through the primary care physician.  Other HMO entities are powerless to act without a referral from the Primary Care Physician.

Candidates for HMO coverage must familiarize themselves with in-network services and out-of-network services.  There are circumstances where the subscriber is entitled to use out-of-network services, but in all instances these s4ervcies must be approved by the plan coordinator.

HMO, PPO and POS plans are all prepaid health insurance policies.  The annual policy cost or premium is divided into 12 monthly installments.  These installments are usually due on the first day of the month in which service is to be provided.

PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization.  The insurer has built a group of professional health care providers and institutions and has pre-negotiated for the provision of services.  PPO coverage usually has more in-network flexibility because a primary care physician is not necessary to commence treatment.  Members can go straight to the type physician that can address their illness and do not need a primary care physician.

PPO coverage loses some of that flexibility in out-of-network situations.  For out-of-network services, the member often must pay co-insurance.  However, the co-pay requirements for PPO plans are usually lower than in an HMO plan.

POS coverage is Point of Service Coverage.  POS combines elements from HMO and PPO plans.  Members do need to select a primary care physician and can use of-of-network services, but in these cases usually will bear the major portion of cost for these out-of-network treatments.  If the primary care physician refers the member to a specialist not in the network, the member needs to obtain prior approval from the plan coordinator.

These three plans have evolved over the years and their refinements have boosted membership.  They are the standards of the heath care industry.  Online health insurance quote providers have access to all the HMO, PPO and POS plans in your area.  If you are seeking an individual, family or group plan, please request an online quote for services.  This non-binding request will be processed quickly and you will be surprised with the efficiency and economy of the quote.  The world’s best HMO, PPO and POS plans are at your fingertips.