There are enough Florida health plans to make a potential insured’s head spin. From health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to point of service (POS) to preferred provider organizations (PPOs), the possibilities are endless. But by understanding these three different types of health plans, you can help to guarantee that you make an informed choice regarding your health insurance plan. You’ll need to understand your own medical needs and have a budget in place, but once you know what kind of coverage you want, you can start getting quotes so that you can compare policies and get the best price for the coverage that’s right for you.

Many Florida health plans are health maintenance organizations (HMOs). These are a typeof managed care organization that provides care to its clients through a pre-established network of approved doctors and hospitals. The way this works is that the insurance company asks you to choose a doctor to act as your primary care provider (PCP). This doctor then acts as your healthcare consultant, not only dealing with your typical health needs like regular checkups, but also referring you to specialists when he or she deems it necessary. While this is perfectly adequate coverage in most cases, those with pre-existing conditions may find it restricting to have to have everything approved through a PCP.

Point of service (POS) Florida health plans offer a little more flexibility. You still need to choose a PCP, but that PCP is also free to refer you to doctors and specialists that are outside of your company’s network. The company only offers partial coverage of most out-of-network doctor visits, but you at least have the freedom to see them if you want to, and you can certainly decide to keep your medical care within your insurance company’s network in order to cut costs. But a POS plan will provide you with some flexibility and more options.

Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are the most expensive of these Florida health plans, but they provide the ultimate freedom in medical care. You can choose to see any doctor you please and never need a referral to see a specialist. It’s up to the insurance company to negotiate rates with your doctor, if they haven’t already. This allows you to receive the care you want whenever you want it without having to check with your insurance carrier first. But whatever your needs are, it’s nice to know that you have insurance options to choose from.

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