Final answer:
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is the term for a health insurance plan that combines elements of fee-for-service and HMO plans. Option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe a combination of the traditional fee-for-service health care plan and an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO). A PPO is a type of health insurance plan that allows individuals to select their healthcare providers. It combines the flexibility of fee-for-service plans, where providers are paid for each service rendered, with the cost savings of an HMO, where providers are paid a set fee for each patient enrolled.
In a PPO, members have the flexibility to choose any healthcare provider they want, including specialists, without needing a referral. Unlike an HMO, which typically requires members to select a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialized care, a PPO allows individuals to directly access specialists and healthcare services.
For example, if John has a PPO health plan, he can see a specialist directly without needing to consult his primary care doctor first, as is required in an HMO.