How does managed care primarily aim to control costs?

Managed care primarily aims to control costs by utilizing a network of providers who accept predetermined fees. This approach creates a system in which healthcare providers agree to provide services at reduced costs in exchange for access to a larger patient base through the managed care organization. By establishing contracts with healthcare providers, managed care plans can negotiate lower prices for medical services, which directly contributes to cost savings for both the plan and its members.

This method encourages efficiency and cost-effective treatments while providing a comprehensive network for patients, who may benefit from lower out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, managed care often implements preventive care measures, which can reduce the need for more costly services in the future by addressing health issues before they escalate.

The other choices do not align with the fundamental goals of managed care. Unlimited access to any healthcare provider would likely increase costs significantly, as it removes the cost-containment measures inherent in provider networks. Billing patients directly for services does not contribute to cost control but rather may lead to higher costs for patients, depending on the services rendered. Offering annual healthcare plans without any network would also eliminate the negotiated fee structure that managed care relies on and could result in uncontained expenses for services.