A health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider
organization's (PPO's) program that allows members to seek treatment
from providers outside the network (that is, providers not employed by or under
contract with the organization) at a reduced benefit level, commonly 60 percent
or 70 percent of in-plan coverage, or at a higher premium. There is usually an
additional fee for using the POS (out-of-network) option. Also known as
open-ended plan.