Which of the following best describes managed care?

Managed care is primarily defined as a health care delivery system that emphasizes cost management and the quality of care provided to patients. This model seeks to provide comprehensive health services to members while controlling overall health care costs through various mechanisms, such as preferential networks of providers, cost-sharing arrangements, and preventive care initiatives.

Under managed care, the focus is not only on treating illnesses but also on maintaining the health of members by promoting preventive services and wellness programs. This approach often involves preauthorization for certain treatments and the use of in-network providers, which helps manage costs and improve the quality of care patients receive. Such systems aim to prevent unnecessary healthcare spending while ensuring patients receive appropriate and effective treatment.

The other options highlight aspects of care that are not aligned with the fundamental principles of managed care. Emergency care being prioritized over preventive care lacks the core focus on prevention that is central to managed care. Unlimited insurance coverage does not reflect the cost management aspect that defines managed care. Lastly, the freedom to choose any healthcare provider contradicts the managed care model, which typically relies on a network of preferred providers to control costs and enhance care coordination.