What Is a Point of Service (POS) Plan?

A Point of Service plan, or POS, is a health plan that uses certain doctors and hospitals, called your POS provider network. Now, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois offers a POS plan for individuals and families.

Why Choose a POS Plan?

A POS plan has a lower premium than a PPO plan, but still provides options for choosing health care providers. These added choices may give you more flexibility when you need care. You’ll be able to choose a primary care provider (PCP) from the POS network to manage your health care needs, but you're also able to visit out-of-network doctors or hospitals for a higher cost.

POS Plan Features

When you enroll in a POS plan, you'll get resources and care options like:

  • An in-network primary care provider (PCP) to manage your health care needs.
  • A lower deductible and coinsurance if you visit a provider in the POS network.
  • Access to out-of-network providers, but you'll pay more
  • Emergency services covered at the highest benefit level whether the provider is in the POS network or not
  • Access to out-of-network providers at in-network costs if your covered services aren't available in the POS network
  • No referral required to visit a specialist

Last Updated: Nov. 01, 2024