Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
Posted By |
Message |
CAH127
LIF Adult
Member since 7/07 1694 total posts
Name:
|
Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
I currently have Empire BCBS PPO and I found out today that not only did my copays go up quite a bit, but it is switching from PPO to POS. I have no idea what the difference is and if this is worse or better. Anyone know?
|
Posted 1/5/09 12:48 PM |
|
|
Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name: Susan
|
Re: Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
POS plans typically have a gatekeeper. You pick a primary care doc and he/she has to refer you for tests, specialists..etc.
PPOs typically don't need referrals.
|
Posted 1/5/09 12:50 PM |
|
|
LuckySV
LIF Adult
Member since 10/05 4675 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
My insurance switched form Aetna PPO to POS. There have been no other changes other than they are calling it a POS. I don't need referrals and I don't have to pick a PCP. It's actually a little bizarre. What was the point of the switch?
|
Posted 1/5/09 1:35 PM |
|
|
MrsSteflily
I love chocolate
Member since 4/06 2047 total posts
Name: Stef
|
Re: Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
We had the same switch. As far as I could tell, everything is the same except anything out of the designated area is out-of-network, except ER.
For example, a dependant in a college upstate visiting a doctor near campus would be out of network.
I checked all of our doctors and specialists and they are in-network and we don't need referrals.
Make sure you check the website.
|
Posted 1/5/09 2:01 PM |
|
|
leo919
LIF Infant
Member since 1/09 119 total posts
Name: MELISSA
|
Re: Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
ppo usually means you do not require a referral to see a specialist. Pos means you will require a referral to see specialist. hth
|
Posted 1/5/09 10:24 PM |
|
|
MrsSteflily
I love chocolate
Member since 4/06 2047 total posts
Name: Stef
|
Re: Does anyone know the difference between a PPO health plan and POS?
i found this info on Empire BCBS's website:
Direct POS: Advantages Visit any in-network provider without a referral from your PCP (Primary Care Physician). No referral needed to see a network OB/GYN. Pediatricians, internists, or family or general practitioners may be selected as your PCP. No claim forms to file for in-network care. In-network and out-of-network coverage.
HTH.
|
Posted 1/6/09 10:31 AM |
|
|
Potentially Related Topics:
Currently 126783 users on the LIFamilies.com Chat
|