How to Choose Between HMO and PPO Coverage

When choosing health insurance, your decision involves more than just selecting a company to provide your coverage. Will an HMO or a PPO better fit your needs? Green Family Insurance Inc., serving Illinois, Florida, and Missouri, works with multiple carriers offering a range of HMO and PPO plans to meet your needs and budget.

Consider Factors in Addition to Cost

For some people, cost is a primary consideration because of their budget. HMOs offer major savings in upfront costs because monthly premiums and co-pays are lower. However, you need to determine whether other factors make an HMO a good choice for you and your family. Another major factor is flexibility. An HMO limits your doctor and hospital choices. You can only receive services from physicians and facilities within the network to be covered. A PPO has two levels: in-network and out-of-network. You’ll pay lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network services. If you want to keep your current doctors, check whether they are included in the HMO’s plan. If not, a PPO may be a better choice. Health needs may also play a part. If you have certain conditions and want to keep your doctor,  you may need to forgo an HMO.

Other Issues to Consider

If you have recently moved and are unfamiliar with local doctors and hospitals, an HMO may work well for your needs. The same applies if you and your family have generally good health. However, if you need to see a specialist, you must get a referral from your primary care physician, which can delay your access to medical care. Most PPOs don’t have this requirement, allowing you to select any specialist at any time.

Find the best health insurance for your situation by working with Green Family Insurance Inc., serving customers in Illinois, Florida, and Missouri. Call our office today to speak to one of our agents.