What type of health insurance does Jessie have if she must see her primary care physician first?

Jessie's requirement to see her primary care physician first indicates that she is enrolled in a managed care health plan. Managed care plans, such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), typically mandate that members choose a primary care provider who coordinates all healthcare needs. This ensures that patients receive appropriate care and helps manage healthcare costs.

In this model, referrals to specialists or other healthcare services usually need to go through the primary care physician, maintaining a structured approach to healthcare delivery. This coordinated care is designed to streamline treatment and improve health outcomes, distinguishing managed care from more flexible options like fee-for-service plans, which allow patients greater freedom in choosing healthcare providers without needing referrals.

The other types of health plans mentioned do not share this primary care requirement. For instance, a fee-for-service plan allows patients to see any healthcare provider without prior approval. High deductible health plans focus more on lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs before coverage begins, while catastrophic health plans are designed primarily for young, healthy individuals, providing coverage mainly for serious health issues without the requirement of going through a primary care physician first.