What is the primary goal of managed care health insurance plans?

The primary goal of managed care health insurance plans is to lower costs through preventive care. Managed care emphasizes the importance of preventive services, which can help to identify and address health issues before they become more serious and costly to treat. By focusing on preventive care, managed care aims to reduce the overall costs of healthcare for both insurers and subscribers. This approach not only includes routine check-ups and screenings but also promotes health education and lifestyle changes that can lead to better health outcomes. By investing in preventive measures, managed care plans can effectively manage health risks and minimize the need for more expensive treatments down the line.

In contrast, options that emphasize comprehensive coverage without regard to cost or unrestricted access to any doctor do not align with the principles of managed care, which strives to balance quality care with cost efficiency. Similarly, the goal of maximizing profit for insurance companies, while a consideration in the insurance industry as a whole, is not the primary objective of managed care, which fundamentally seeks to improve health outcomes and manage costs effectively.