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Can anyone explain what PPO and POS means regarding health insurance?

I am shopping around to see if i can afford health insurance and i would like to be prepaired in making a decision when i get contacted with insurance quotes...i live in Louisiana if that helps. and in terms i can understand..

Public Comments

1. Preferred provider organization (PPO): More flexible and with a slightly higher premium than an HMO, a PPO allows you to venture out-of-network at your discretion and does not require a referral from a primary-care physician. However, the $5 to $10 co-payment provides you with a financial incentive to stay in the network. Straying from the PPO network means that you pay the cost of your treatment in full, and then submit the bill for reimbursement to the insurance company. A PPO generally reimburses 80 percent of out-of-network costs. Point-of-service plan (POS): POS plans are almost a hybrid of HMO and PPO plans. Like an HMO, you designate an in-network physician to be your primary care provider. However, like a PPO, a POS plan lets you go out-of-network. But when you go on your own, you'll have to pay most of the cost, unless your primary care physician refers you to an out-of-network doctor. Then, the health plan will pick up the tab.