In which plan type do patients often face lower premiums but higher deductibles?

The plan type where patients typically encounter lower premiums but higher deductibles is a Point-of-Service (POS) plan. In a POS plan, members benefit from the option to choose between in-network and out-of-network providers. While members can enjoy a lower premium by selecting a primary care physician and obtaining referrals for specialists, they often face higher deductibles when they go out of network. This setup incentivizes members to utilize in-network services to save costs, but they are still granted flexibility and additional coverage options.

In contrast, other plan types, like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), require members to use a specific network of providers for their healthcare services and typically have lower deductibles and copayments. Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) also focus on providing services only through a network of providers but often have lower deductibles compared to POS plans. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are not a plan type per se; instead, they are paired with high-deductible health plans to aid in saving for medical expenses.