With a Health Maintenance Organization or HMO plan you can choose from doctors and hospitals in your network. Because the network has a contract to offer lower rates for plan members, you must adhere to network providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While PPO plans will still cover you if you see an out of network provider, HMO plans require you to stay within the network.\u00a0<\/p>\n

HMO plans also have more restrictions when it comes to the number of tests, treatments, and visits.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When choosing a healthcare plan, you need to take into consideration the network, PCO, and overall costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Networks<\/h3>\n

When choosing a plan, you need to take the network into consideration. You need to stay within your network to get lower costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While networks vary from insurance carrier to carrier, PPO plans have a broader network.<\/p>\n

Primary Care Physicians<\/h3>\n

If you choose an HMO plan, you will have to get a PCP for all of your health needs. A PPO plan doesn’t require you to have a PCP, and you can visit any doctor within your network.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Costs<\/h3>\n

If cost is a big concern when choosing a health plan, keep in mind that PPO plans are more expensive than HMO plans. Although HMOs have more restrictions, they have lower premiums and no deductibles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

PPO plans have higher premiums and deductibles, but they offer more flexibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n