What is the difference between HMO and PPO? What is best for a 25 year orld relatively heathly male?

3 Comments

1. wayfaroutthere says:

   June 29, 2009 at 8:01 am

   HMOs have more bs rules about choosing your doctor, seeing this guy to get a referral to that guy, and so on, but they are usually cheaper. PPOs usually give more flexibility, and people who go to the doctor often usually prefer to pay more to get them. If you have a doctor already, see if he is in-plan. HMOs usually make you use in-plan doctors, PPOs just cover less (pay only 80%) if you use an out-of-plan doctor.

   If you don't see a doctor often, HMOs cover you fine for disasters–break a leg or something and you'll be taken care of by either plan. You might not be as bothered with the bs that makes people prefer the flexibility of PPOs.
2. Norton N says:

   June 29, 2009 at 8:01 am

   An HPO will likely be the cheaper of the options, it will have requirements of you in regard to seeking care in or out of network, a PPO is more likely to have a hefty deductable, but afford better long term care benifits.

   It is a time of life, medical history sort of choice. If you have….diabetes…….or a blood relative does………If you have a family history of genetic disease………a PPO is probably your better choice.

   If you are healthy non smoking moderate drinking dude in your thirties you will probably be best served by an HMO.

   What we all need to look closely at is the terms and conditions of each option should a major event occur.

   Act accordingly.
3. C M says:

   June 29, 2009 at 8:01 am

   The biggest difference is that you have more doctors to choose from on the PPO, but it costs more. If you are healthy and there is a suitable doctor on the HMO, go with that one. Just remember you will have fewer choices on the HMO than the PPO.