Which statement correctly matches health plan types to their characteristics?

• A. Exclusive provider organizations; POS; HMO
• B. Health maintenance organizations (HMO); preferred provider organizations (PPO); point of service (POS)
• C. Point of service (POS); health maintenance organizations (HMO); preferred provider organizations (PPO)
• D. Preferred provider organizations (PPO); health maintenance organizations (HMO); point of service (POS)

Answer: (B)

Understanding how health plan types are named and what they generally offer helps match them to characteristics. HMO plans are network-based and require you to work with a primary care physician who serves as a gatekeeper; referrals are usually needed for specialists, and out-of-network coverage is limited. PPO plans give you more freedom to see any doctor, including out-of-network providers, without referrals for most services, though out-of-network care costs more. POS plans blend features: you have a PCP and referrals like an HMO, but you can go outside the network with higher costs, similar to a PPO. The statement listing the three plan names in the order HMO, PPO, POS correctly aligns with the recognized plan types, which is why it’s the best choice. The other options mix or reorder the plan types in ways that don’t reflect standard naming.