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Fee For Service (FFS) Insurance: The Pros and Cons

Smiling person with short hair wearing a light blue button-up shirt against a plain background.
Written by:
Aaron Garcia

Key Takeaways

  • FFS is one of the most expensive forms of insurance with high out-of-pocket costs. You’ll also need to file claims with your insurance company to get reimbursed.
  • FFS beneficiaries can see any doctor they want and don’t need referrals from a primary care physician.

If you have a Fee For Service health insurance plan, you pay a flat fee for any services you receive. You then file a claimA claim is a request for payment to your health insurance company. A claim is usually handled by your doctor or provider, though some plans will make you file your claim if you visit an out-of-network doctor. to your insurance company for reimbursement. Since FFS customers typically pay upfront, they can visit any doctor or hospital with limited hassle.

While FFS plans are not nearly as popular as they used to be, they are still available. If you’re shopping for health insurance or helping a loved one with their options, here’s what you can expect from an FFS plan.

Have questions about your Medicare coverage?

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The Pros of a Fee For Services Health Plan

FFS customers don’t have provider networksA provider network is a group of doctors, hospitals and other specialists who agree with an insurance company to treat its clients. It’s usually less expensive for you to see a doctor within your provider network. and typically enjoy the freedom to see any doctor they want. This can be a massive advantage if you spend a lot of time traveling. You also won’t need to see a primary care physicianA Primary Care Physician is a doctor that oversees and monitors your medical care under some plan types. PCPs also may be responsible for referrals to specialists. or need referrals to see specialists. Plus, many providers will even negotiate pricing with customers who have FFS plans to help them control out-of-pocket costs.

  • No provider networks: see any doctor you want, anywhere
  • No referrals or pre-approvals: just make an appointment and go
  • May negotiate rates: Some doctors will lower their prices for FFS customers

The Cons of a Fee For Services Health Plan

Just a few years ago, more people were enrolled in an FFS plan than any other type. Now, it’s just the fifth most-popular type of health insurance policy. The main reason for this is because health insurance began shifting its focus to value-based care. Under FFS plans, if you get sick or injured, you pay the doctor to treat you. That approach leaves out preventable diseases or injuries. FFS plans don’t offer the same kind of personal, managed care that other plans provide. While you can still receive preventive services and other essential health benefits with an FFS plan, keeping up with them is up to you.

FFS also became known for its charges. Critics say that an FFS approach causes doctors to force their patients into unnecessary services and treatments to line their pockets.

Lastly, FFS plans are among the most expensive. You’ll generally have high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs to pay, along with a monthly premium.

  • Costly: FFS plans have high out-of-pocket costs
  • Less managed care: No primary care physician to remind or monitor you
  • Upfront costs: pay your doctor directly, file a claim, then get reimbursed

Get real Medicare answers and guidance – no strings attached.

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How Can I Enroll In an FFS Plan?

You can shop all the plans available in your area by going to federal or state health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges.

FAQs

As with all insurance decisions, this is personal. However, if you travel extensively and aren’t home long enough to see a managed-care provider, an FFS may make sense.
A fee is an agreed-upon price for any service you receive from a doctor. If you go to the doctor’s office, any care you receive will have a fee attached.
If your doctor charges $100 for office visits, you’ll pay $100 upfront when you go in, and send the claim to your insurance company. In this case, you were charged $100 (your fee) for the care you received (the service).

Sources

This website is operated by GoHealth, LLC., a licensed health insurance company. The website and its contents are for informational and educational purposes; helping people understand Medicare in a simple way. The purpose of this website is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money.

Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.