Which of these plans allows a participant to choose either a network or non-network provider at the time when medical care is needed?

The correct choice reflects a plan structure that provides flexibility in selecting healthcare providers at the time of care. A Point-of-Service (POS) plan combines features from both Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). It allows participants to choose between using network providers, who typically offer lower costs and are more managed, or seeking care from non-network providers, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses.

This flexibility empowers members to make decisions based on their immediate healthcare needs, preferences, or specific situations, such as the availability of specialists or urgent care requirements. Unlike an HMO, where participants must primarily use network providers, or a PPO, which may have a more structured incentive for using network providers, POS plans explicitly enable the choice at the time when services are needed, making it a hybrid model ideal for those who wish to maintain options.

High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) primarily focus on having higher out-of-pocket costs before coverage kicks in but do not inherently provide enhanced flexibility in provider choice like POS plans do.