Health insurance: It’s vitally important.
Yet, despite its importance, lots of people have no idea how it works.
A recent survey found that over half of Americans said they are confused by their health insurance.
With all the different plans, providers, and services offered, it can be difficult to determine what kind of insurance you need. Considering the price of insurance, choosing the wrong type of plan can be a costly mistake.
In the United States, there are two main types of health insurance plans: PPO versus HMO insurance. HMOs, or Health Maintenance Organizations, are plans that require you to stay in a network. On the other hand, PPO plans offer more flexibility when it comes to seeing someone out of network.
If you’re wondering, “how does PPO insurance work?” you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about PPO insurance.
What Does PPO Stand For?
PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. The main difference between PPO and HMO plans is the emphasis on the word preferred.
PPO plans still have a network of doctors, just like HMO plans do. However, PPO plans offer far more flexibility than HMO plans do when it comes to seeing a doctor outside of your network. This is one of the benefits of PPO insurance.
This means you can visit other hospitals, specialists, and doctors without having to check in with your primary care physician first. By providing more flexibility, PPO plans give you more choice when it comes to your healthcare.
There is a cost trade-off, though, as PPO plans carry higher prices all around. Copays and premiums are usually more expensive than the comparable HMO plan.
How Does PPO Insurance Work?
Because of the flexibility offered, a PPO insurance policy is typically more expensive than HMO insurance plans. That’s the trade-off that comes with the added benefit of choice.
You’re not required to have a primary care physician in a preferred provider organization plan. You have the ability to see any doctor in or out of the network. However, if you do plan on visiting a doctor outside of your network, you will likely have to pay a higher price.
Staying within your network will get you the lowest price for your health care visits. When compared to an HMO plan, you will likely have a higher copay for your doctor’s visits, though. While PPO plans are the more expensive option, they typically provide the greatest quality of service.
How Do You Get Started?
When it comes to health insurance, the main difference between the two major plans is price. How does HMO insurance work? You’re restricted to your network, but the cost is generally lower.
How does PPO insurance Work? You can see any healthcare provider, but you will likely have a higher copay and higher premiums than if you had an HMO plan.
Are you interested in getting started with your own PPO insurance policy? Get in contact with us today. We’ll be able to help you find the insurance policy that’s best for you.