Health Maintenance Organization vs
Preferred Provider Organizations
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Health Maintenance Organizations
What is HMO Insurance?
The HMO insurance coverage is available to the policyholders only if they receive medical treatments from doctors, specialists, and hospitals that are part of the HMO network. The only exception to this rule is a case of a medical emergency.
How Does an HMO Plan Work?
An HMO structure is designed to offer health insurance coverage to its members. The members receive medical services through a fixed network of healthcare providers. HMO health insurance plans operate based on this network.
The HMO network consists of physicians, specialists, clinics, hospitals, and laboratories. These entities enter into a contract with the HMO to provide healthcare services to its members. They receive a fixed payment for their services.
The members or policyholders must have a primary care physician (PCP) under an HMO plan. If they don’t have one, the insurer designates a primary care physician (PCP) who will be the first point of contact for all their medical treatments. The members can consult a specialist only after the PCP makes a referral.
The HMO plans do not cover medical treatments of out-of-network providers except during emergencies. The policyholders must opt for in-network healthcare providers.
Benefits of an HMO Health Insurance
HMO plans have lower premiums than regular health insurance plans. They charge relatively lesser copayments and negligible deductibles.
A primary care physician (PCP) is designated for the benefit of every member of an HMO.
The members can access high-quality healthcare services from medical professionals who are a part of the network.
HMOs offer a wide range of services through a strong network of doctors, specialists, laboratories, and hospitals.
Costs of an HMO Plan
HMO health insurance is one of the most reasonably priced plans available in the market. But the specific cost depends on the type of plan you choose and its features. The insurance company negotiates with a group of healthcare service providers to manage the costs. These service providers agree to charge lower as they get a steady stream of customers from the HMO network.
The cost of HMO insurance plans also depends on the location. Bigger cities have far more doctors, specialists, and hospitals who can contract to work with the HMO. This enables the HMO to lower the costs and pass on the benefits to its members. The copayments & deductibles are low and minimal in HMO plans.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
What is PPO Insurance?
How Does a PPO Plan Work?
A PPO network consists of a network of medical professionals and healthcare facilities. These ‘preferred providers’ enter into a contract with an insurance company to provide medical services for members of the group.
The members of a PPO plan can choose between in-network and out-of-network healthcare providers. But the policyholders get the maximum benefit if they choose an in-network or a preferred healthcare provider. The copayments and deductibles are typically higher if you choose service providers outside the network. Unlike HMO plans, here, you do not need a primary care physician (PCP) to refer your case to a specialist.
A PPO insurance plan works on the principle of cost-sharing. You need to pay a part of the medical expenses, and the rest is paid by the insurer. This structure of cost-sharing help to keep the premiums low and ensure that members use the service only if it is essential.
How Much Does a PPO Plan Cost?
The cost of a PPO insurance plan is not fixed, and it depends on various factors. The costs are typically in the form of premiums, copayments, and deductibles.
Premium is the fixed monthly or annual fee you must pay to get insurance coverage benefits. Copayments refer to a specific percentage of medical bills that has to be paid by the policyholders. A deductible is an amount that you must pay initially before the insurance company starts paying for the medical expenses.
PPO Insurance Plan Pros
PPO insurance plans are quite different from other managed health insurance plans. They have specific features that have their advantages and drawbacks.
- A PPO insurance plan offers a high degree of flexibility. They provide more comprehensive coverage than other plans.
- The referral of a primary care physician (PCP) is not mandatory to consult a specialist under PPO plans.
- PPOs do not restrict the coverage to a few providers. They allow their members to choose between in-network and out-of-network healthcare providers.
PPO Insurance Plan Cons
PPO insurance plans are quite different from other managed health insurance plans. They have specific features that have their advantages and drawbacks.
- PPO plans typically cost more than other plans. They usually have higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses like copayments & deductibles.
- Though PPO insurance plans offer broader coverage, the costs can be different for in-network and out-of-network healthcare service providers
- Some people may find it difficult to manage their needs without the support of a primary care physician.
What is the Difference Between HMO and PPO plans?
Budget
A PPO plan generally costs more than HMO insurance. They have higher premiums and also entail other out-of-pocket expenses. Though a PPO plan is a little expensive, it offers you a wider choice of service providers.
Flexibility
A PPO insurance plan offers higher flexibility than an HMO plan. You can choose healthcare providers that may be in-network or outside the network. Except for emergency care, an HMO plan does not cover out-of-network providers.
Designated PCP
Under HMO plans, it is mandatory to select a primary care physician (PCP). You can consult a specialist only if PCP refers the case. But you do not need a PCP referral to consult a specialist in the case of PPO plans.
By analyzing these differences between HMO and PPO plans, you can select the right plan that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about HMO and PPO Insurance
Neither plan is superior to the other. Both have their benefits and limitations. An HMO insurance plan is budget-friendly with lower premiums. A PPO plan is more expensive. But it offers more flexibility and an extensive network of healthcare providers.
A PPO plan is ideal if you require the regular services of a specialist. Here you do not have to take a referral from a primary care physician (PCP) to consult a specialist. Under an HMO plan, all your healthcare needs (excluding emergency care) have to go through a designated PCP.
PPO plans are far more flexible than HMO plans. You can choose the doctors and other healthcare providers who are within and outside the network. You do not need the approval of a PCP to consult a specialist of your choice under PPO insurance. So a PPO plan is more expensive but also provides more convenience and options to the policyholders.
Disclaimer: The health insurance policy or plan may have limitations, exclusions, and other terms and conditions that may affect coverage. It is important to carefully review the policy wording before making any decision.