What type of health insurance model is characterized by a focus on preventive care and cost control?

The managed care model is characterized by a focus on preventive care and cost control. This model integrates the financing and delivery of healthcare services, aiming to improve health outcomes while minimizing costs. In managed care, health insurance plans work closely with a network of providers, which can include doctors, hospitals, and specialists. These providers are incentivized to emphasize preventive care to keep patients healthy and reduce the need for more expensive treatments down the line.

Preventive services, such as regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations, are often covered with little or no out-of-pocket costs to the patient in managed care plans. This approach not only aims to keep members healthier but also helps to control overall healthcare costs, as it reduces the incidence of serious health issues that require more extensive and costly treatments. The integration of care management and a focus on outcomes further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in managed care systems.

In contrast, fee-for-service and indemnity plans generally do not emphasize preventive care in the same way and can lead to higher costs due to a focus on volume of services rendered rather than value or outcome. Flexible benefits programs allow customization of benefits but do not specifically drive preventive care or cost control in the same manner as managed care.