What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO health plan?
There are many differences between an HMO and a PPO plan, but the most significant is how you access care. With an HMO plan, you and all eligible family members must live or work in an area served by the HMO facility and access ail your care through a designated Personal Physician that you are allowed to choose as long as that physician is part of HMO plan you have subscribed to. Depending upon the coverage with a PPO plan you may visit any licensed doctor without a referral from a Personal Physician. With an HMO plan, you: Generally pay higher monthly dues so that your costs are lower whenever you access care throughout the year Receive many covered services at no charge or for a fixed co-payment Choose a designated Personal Physician within the HMO network who provides, refers and coordinates all your medical care. Receive all medical services from providers in your Personal Physician’s medical group or IPA (Independent Practice Association) You may be able to go directly to a specia
