Which of the following describes managed care plans?

Managed care plans are designed to provide quality healthcare while controlling costs, and they typically involve a network of providers. The defining feature of these plans is that they manage patient care through a structured network of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. This often involves restrictions on which providers patients can visit to receive care, with the goal of ensuring that patients use the most cost-effective services available.

The emphasis on a network creates an environment where the plan can negotiate rates and manage care more effectively. This structure often requires patients to choose providers within the network to receive the highest level of benefits, and may involve co-pays or other out-of-pocket expenses if they choose services outside of this network. In essence, the focus is on coordinated care and managed costs, which aligns with the characteristics of managed care plans.