Which of the following best describes a point-of-service (POS) plan?

A point-of-service (POS) plan is indeed best described as one that combines features of both an indemnity plan and those of a health maintenance organization (HMO). This type of plan offers flexibility to members by allowing them to choose between receiving care from in-network providers, similar to an HMO where lower co-pays and more coordinated care are emphasized, or out-of-network providers, akin to an indemnity plan where members have more freedom to choose their healthcare providers but at potentially higher costs.

This combination allows policyholders to have a range of choices regarding their healthcare, which can be particularly advantageous for individuals who may want to consult specialists or receive care from providers that are not part of the HMO network. Therefore, the dual nature of a POS plan supports a variety of healthcare needs and preferences, which is a distinguishing feature of this type of insurance coverage.

Other options, such as plans only offering HMO services or providing exclusively out-of-network coverage, do not encapsulate the hybrid nature of a POS plan. Additionally, stating that a plan has no out-of-pocket expenses is misleading, as most plans, including POS, typically involve some level of cost-sharing for covered services.