SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE UNITED STATES
TYPES OF PLANS IN THE UNITED STATES
Preferred Provider Organizations
Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) combine characteristics of traditional insurance plans and HMOs. PPOs establish contractual agreements with health care providers, who accept lower fees for services rendered to PPO members. The PPOs distribute lists of these participating providers to their members, who then select a primary care provider. This primary care provider is the patient’s first contact for health care, providing health care services as well as referrals to specialists. PPO members who use the services of participating providers will generally receive more generous benefits than those who choose the services of health care providers not on the preferred list. Essentially, a PPO offers its participants some coverage for any doctor or hospital they choose, but participants’ costs will be higher if they go outside the network of preferred providers.
OBTAINING COVERAGE
FEATURES OF HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES
LEVEL OF COVERAGE
SPECIFIC BENEFITS
HISTORY IN THE UNITED STATES
HEALTH INSURANCE IN
