What is PPO Insurance?

PPO plans allow you to visit whatever in-network physician or healthcare provider you choose without first requiring a referral from a primary care physician.

How Does a PPO Insurance Plan Work?*

If you receive health care services from the in-network preferred providers, you pay less for part of the cost of care. No matter which healthcare provider you choose, in-network healthcare services will be covered at a higher benefit level than out-of-network services.

Is a PPO Plan Right for You?

Here are three advantages of using a PPO:

• Freedom to choose almost any medical facility or provider for your healthcare needs

• Part of out-of-network claims are covered by your insurance company
• No referrals needed to see a specialist

What is the Difference Between HMO and PPO?

The main difference between HMO and PPO plans is the flexibility to choose. With a HMO plan, you must choose doctors, hospitals, and other providers in the HMO network. With a PPO plan, you can choose doctors, hospitals, and other providers from the PPO network or from out-of-network. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you most likely will pay more.

Which is Plan is Better for You?

PPO plans give you flexibility. You don’t need a primary care physician. You can go to any health care professional you want without a referral—inside or outside of your network. Staying inside your network means smaller copays and full coverage. If you choose to go outside your network, you’ll have higher out-of-pocket costs, and not all services may be covered. The bottom line – if you’re looking for low cost health insurance, a HMO is probably best.

*Source: www.bcbsm.com