Georgia Navigator Practice Exam

Which type of health care plans aim to enhance quality and control costs?

1. High-deductible plans

2. Managed care plans

3. Short-term insurance plans

4. Fee-for-service plans

The correct answer is: Managed care plans

Managed care plans are designed specifically to enhance the quality of health care while controlling costs. These plans utilize a network of healthcare providers and facilities to deliver services in a coordinated manner. By integrating various aspects of patient care and emphasizing preventive services, managed care aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and hospitalizations, thereby lowering overall expenditures. One key characteristic of managed care plans is their focus on maintaining quality standards among providers. They often have specific protocols and guidelines for treatment to ensure that care is both effective and efficient. The coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals helps to provide comprehensive care, avoiding redundancy and improving health outcomes. In contrast, high-deductible plans typically shift more costs to the consumer, which may lead to reduced utilization of necessary services. Short-term insurance plans are generally not designed for long-term care and may lack the comprehensive coverage that managed care plans offer, often leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for significant healthcare needs. Fee-for-service plans allow patients to receive any medical service they desire, which can lead to increased costs and less emphasis on coordinating care effectively. Thus, the structure and intent behind managed care plans distinctly position them as a mechanism for improving care quality while also managing and controlling costs.