HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and POS plans all have provider networks. This network includes doctors, hospitals, labs and other providers that either have a contract with the health plan or, in some cases, are employed by the health plan. Plans differ as to whether you'll have coverage for health care services from providers who arenât in their network.
The first oil shock in the early 1970s pushed up oil prices and significantly increased imported fuel costs. Since Japan's economy depends heavily on imported fuel, this development slowed economic growth. In 1974, the economy contracted by about 1.2 percent of total GDP.
Japan's travails suggest a couple of key questions. First, what is going on with the economy that a consumption tax increase throws it back into recession? it may seem odd that an increase in the consumption tax from 5% to 8% could derail what had been until the second quarter of this year a relatively robust looking recovery.