What type of plan requires members to seek referrals for specialists?

The correct response highlights the characteristics of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. In an HMO, members are typically required to select a primary care physician (PCP) who acts as a gatekeeper for healthcare services. This means that if a member needs to see a specialist, they must first obtain a referral from their PCP. This process ensures that the specialist visits are medically necessary and helps manage healthcare costs, as HMO plans often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses compared to other plan types.

Members benefit from the coordinated care approach that is inherent in HMO structures, as care is usually provided within a network of doctors and hospitals. Moreover, HMO plans are designed to encourage preventive care and regular check-ups, which can lead to better health outcomes and savings for both the insured and the insurer.

In contrast, other plan types, such as preferred provider organizations (PPOs) or point-of-service (POS) plans, offer more flexibility regarding referrals. In PPOs, members can see specialists without a referral, and while POS plans also allow members to go out of the network, they often require a referral for out-of-network services. Fee-for-service plans do not typically have a primary care gatekeeper or referral requirement,