What is a point-of-service (POS) plan?

A POS plan is an “HMO/PPO” hybrid; sometimes referred to as an “open-ended” HMO when offered by an HMO. POS plans resemble HMOs for in-network services. Services received outside of the network are usually reimbursed in a manner similar to conventional indemnity plans (e.g., provider  reimbursement based on a fee schedule or usual, customary and reasonable charges).