Glossary · Plan types
What is a preferred provider?
A preferred provider has a contract with your health insurer or plan to provide services at a discount. A preferred provider may not balance bill you for covered services.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
Run it in Rivvi
Ask how preferred provider works on your plan
Rivvi explains the term from public CMS, Medicare.gov, and HealthCare.gov sources and works through an example with your numbers.
Ask RivviFree to start. No card. Opens Rivvi, the AI workspace for healthcare teams.
Preferred provider: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Balance billing | Not allowed for covered services | HealthCare.gov glossary: Balance billing |
Compare and look up
- HMO vs PPOSide-by-side comparison
- PPO vs EPOSide-by-side comparison
Related terms
Questions
What does preferred provider mean in health insurance?
A preferred provider has a contract with your health insurer or plan to provide services at a discount. A preferred provider may not balance bill you for covered services.