Which type of health insurance policy is characterized by a contractual agreement aimed at reducing healthcare costs?

Managed care organizations are designed specifically to control and reduce healthcare costs while ensuring access to necessary services. These organizations operate under a network of providers and specialists, which allows them to negotiate lower rates for medical services due to their collective bargaining power. Managed care emphasizes preventive care and efficient management of healthcare services, which often leads to lower overall costs for both the insurer and the insured.

In contrast, fee-for-service plans typically allow patients to choose any provider and pay for each service individually, which can lead to higher costs and less emphasis on preventive care. Short-term health insurance is usually intended for temporary coverage and doesn’t focus on reducing costs over the long term. Indemnity plans provide more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers but do not inherently contain the cost-saving mechanisms present in managed care. Thus, the focus and structure of managed care organizations make them the most effective option for reducing healthcare costs.