What is the difference between HMO and PPO in California?
This really is the first question to ask when you are considering what California health insurance plan to choose. They are very different in how they work and people typically have a strong preference one way or the other in terms of how they like to access medical care. First, the official definition of both. HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) An HMO is a collection of hospitals, doctors, and other health services all organized under one network. By managing care and contracting with the providers, HMOs keep costs down while providing a full range of health services. You usually pay only small co-pays when using services, no matter how many or what kind of services you use. In return, though, you must usually use the hospital(s), doctors, and other health providers in the HMOs network. In an HMO, you select a primary care physician. If you need a specialist, the primary care physician must first refer you to that specialist before you can see them. HMOs in California are regulated
