Choosing Healthcare

[whattaguy]

I know that PPO gives you the flexibility of a larger network of physicians, but HMO is so much cheaper and covers much more than PPO. What are the main differences? I am relatively young and pretty healthy. What do you choose?

Thanks.

 

[Noirish]

You pretty much said it all.

If you can see doctocs within network without referrals in HMO, go with it.

 

[Kilgor]

I don't know but I have a PPO and I was in the hospital for 3 weeks and only paid $300 out of $52,000. I think I'll stick with what I have.

 

[PokerGuy]

Here ya go:

Linky

 

[kitkat22]

I would go PPO. HMO will give you headaches and they don't cover those

 

[msparish]

Generally PPO's are a little more expensive, but they give you greater choice.

 

[EatSpam]

Actually, HMOs and PPOs can have the same level of coverage. PPOs are sometimes cheaper than HMOs, sometimes its the other way around. At my work, there are two PPOs and one HMO offered. The HMO is the most expensive of the three plans and doesn't offer much more than the better PPO.

HMOs require referals for any speciality services, PPOs do not. For that reason, I always pick PPO when its offered. Saves time, if you know what kind of doctor you need.