A PPO offers more flexibility with limited coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. An EPO is more restrictive, with less coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. For budget-friendly members, the cost of an EPO is typically lower than a PPO.
A PPO (or “preferred provider organization”) is a health plan with a “preferred” network of providers in your area. ... An EPO (or “exclusive provider organization”) is a bit like a hybrid of an HMO and a PPO. EPOs generally offer a little more flexibility than an HMO and are generally a bit less pricey than a PPO.
A managed care plan where services are covered only if you go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals in the plan's network (except in an emergency).
A PPO offers more flexibility with limited coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. An EPO is more restrictive, with less coverage or reimbursement for out-of-network providers. For budget-friendly members, the cost of an EPO is typically lower than a PPO.
An Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) is a lesser-known plan type. Like HMOs, EPOs cover only in-network care, but networks are generally larger than for HMOs. They may or may not require referrals from a primary care physician. Premiums are higher than HMOs, but lower than PPOs.
Exclusive Provider Organization. Has a network of healthcare providers that it works with exclusively. ... EPOs are usually cheaper than PPOs due to the restrictions on which healthcare providers you can visit. See also Coinsurance vs Copay.
EPO stands for "Exclusive Provider Organization" plan. As a member of an EPO, you can use the doctors and hospitals within the EPO network, but cannot go outside the network for care.
An EPO is usually more pocket-friendly than a PPO plan. However, if you choose to get care outside of your plan's network, it usually will not be covered (except in an emergency).
Participating: $250 per individual / $500 per family calendar year brand-name drug deductible. Non-Participating: Not Covered There are no other specific deductibles.
Most EPOs will not require you to get a referral from a primary care healthcare provider before seeing a specialist. This makes it easier to see a specialist since you're making the decision yourself, but you need to be very careful that you're seeing only specialists that are in-network with your EPO.
A type of health plan that contracts with medical providers, such as hospitals and doctors, to create a network of participating providers. You pay less if you use providers that belong to the plan's network.
Advantages of PPO plans
A PPO plan can be a better choice compared with an HMO if you need flexibility in which health care providers you see. More flexibility to use providers both in-network and out-of-network. You can usually visit specialists without a referral, including out-of-network specialists.
HMO plans typically have lower monthly premiums. You can also expect to pay less out of pocket. PPOs tend to have higher monthly premiums in exchange for the flexibility to use providers both in and out of network without a referral. Out-of-pocket medical costs can also run higher with a PPO plan.
PPOs Usually Win on Choice and Flexibility
If flexibility and choice are important to you, a PPO plan could be the better choice. Unlike most HMO health plans, you won't likely need to select a primary care physician, and you won't usually need a referral from that physician to see a specialist.
Another major disadvantage of EPO insurance is the inability to see out of network healthcare providers without being responsible for all medical fees. In short, if you are looking for low monthly premiums and are willing to make higher deductibles for healthcare you need, you may want to consider EPO health insurance.
Yes. Any plan shown in the Marketplace includes these essential health benefits. This is true for all plan categories (all “metal levels,” including Catastrophic plans) and all plan types (like HMO and PPO). Do I have to pay deductibles and copayments for essential health benefits?
The percentage of costs of a covered health care service you pay (20%, for example) after you've paid your deductible. If you've paid your deductible: You pay 20% of $100, or $20. ... The insurance company pays the rest. If you haven't met your deductible: You pay the full allowed amount, $100.
A PPO is generally a good option if you want more control over your choices and don't mind paying more for that ability. It would be especially helpful if you travel a lot, since you would not need to see a primary care physician.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) Plans typically have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles. ... HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) Plans usually have lower costs and often cover most costs associated with pregnancy. However, your access to providers is more limited.
Blue Shield offers a variety of HMO and PPO plans. Contact us if you have any questions or to find out more about our plans.
Copays: Both PPO and POS plans may require copays. This is a fee you pay to a doctor at the time of a visit or for a prescription medication. Coinsurance: You may be required to share some of the costs for your care with both a PPO and POS plan. For a PPO plan your coinsurance kicks in once you've met your deductible.
EPO health plans generally have lower monthly premiums, co-pays, and deductibles than non-EPO options. ... If you want the freedom to schedule appointments directly with specialists, and do not mind having to switch health care providers to one in your EPO network, then EPOs may be a good choice for you.
EPO plans usually have the lowest premiums or self-funded plan costs.
Full PPO Network
This benefit plan uses a specific network of health care providers, called the Full PPO provider network. Providers in this network are called participating providers. You pay less for covered services when you use a participating provider than when you use a non-participating provider.
$2,500 per individual / $5,000 per family. For non-participating providers: $5,000 per individual / $10,000 per family.