Final answer:
Patients can see specialists without the need for referrals from another physician in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan (option c) , which provides more flexibility compared to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of healthcare plans, patients are able to see specialists without having to obtain referrals from another physician in a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan. Unlike Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), which typically require a referral from a primary care physician before seeing a specialist, PPOs offer more flexibility. This is because PPOs are structured as a network of healthcare providers who agree to provide medical services at a discount, and they allow for greater patient autonomy in terms of selecting specialists and healthcare services.
Understanding the types of healthcare plans is critical for patients seeking to navigate the complexity of healthcare systems and insurance options. It helps in preventing adverse selection and moral hazard in healthcare insurance by creating a balance between the flexibility of the patients and the incentives for healthcare providers. This balance is crucial to ensure that all parties involved in the healthcare system work efficiently and sustainably.