What is an HMO vs. PPO?
Two types of health insurance coverage are through an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Each of these is considered a managed health care plan.HMOHMOs provide care from doctors who work for the specific HMO. A patient who needs a test or wants to see a specialist is required to receive a referral from a primary care physician.CoverageIndividuals who seek care outside the HMO’s network will have to pay for the care privately. Paid coverage is only available through the HMO and at its facilities.PaymentIndividuals pay the monthly premiums for the insurance as well as co-payments for services. Some HMOs offer deductible plans that can be used with Health Savings Accounts.PPOA PPO provides health care through a specific list of doctors. Members of a PPO can see a specialist with or without a referral from a doctor.CoveragePPOs offer a list of doctors who are part of the network. In addition, there is coverage to use doctors who are not in the
