Is PPO more popular than HMO?

Asked by: Baron Osinski I  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)

PPOs are the most common plan type. Forty-nine percent of covered workers are enrolled in PPOs, followed by HDHP/SOs (29%), HMOs (12%), POS plans (9%), and conventional plans (1%) [Figure 5.1]. All of these percentages are similar to the enrollment percentages in 2021.

Do people prefer HMO or PPO?

Generally speaking, an HMO might make sense if lower costs are most important and if you don't mind using a PCP to manage your care. A PPO may be better if you already have a doctor or medical team that you want to keep but doesn't belong to your plan network.

Why is PPO the most popular?

One of the biggest advantages of PPO policies is their flexibility. Given that PPO plans offer a larger network of doctors and hospitals, you have a lot of say in where and from whom you get your care.

What is the downside to a PPO plan?

Cons of PPO Plans

Less Coordination: Without a primary care doctor managing your healthcare, there's less oversight, and it can be harder to keep track of your treatments and appointments.

Why would you want a PPO?

Why would I choose a PPO? You have a doctor you like and you want to keep this doctor, and the doctor is in the PPO network. You want to see specialists and other providers without having to get referrals and pre-approval first. You want more of a choice of doctors and hospitals you can go to.

PPO vs HMO: What's the Difference?

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Why do doctors not accept HMO?

HMO plans might involve more bureaucracy and can limit doctors' ability to practice medicine as they see fit due to stricter guidelines on treatment protocols. So just as with patients, providers who prefer a greater degree of flexibility tend to prefer PPO plans.

How serious is a PPO?

It can protect you from being assaulted, threatened, harassed, or stalked by another person. It is not a magic piece of paper and will not ensure that your abuser will leave you alone, but it will allow officers to respond and arrest them if they do.

Why do people not like HMO plans?

On major disadvantage is that it is difficult to get any specialized care because the members must get a referral first. Any kind of care that is sought that is not a referral or an emergency is not covered.

Is PPO the most expensive?

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.

What are the two most common health insurance plans?

Before choosing a health insurance policy for yourself, your family, or your employees, you must know what types are available. Some popular health insurance policy options are: Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. Health maintenance organization (HMO) plans.

What is the largest PPO company?

The MultiPlan PHCS network is the nation's largest and most comprehensive independent PPO network. This network offers access in all states and includes more than 700,000 healthcare professionals, 4,500 hospitals and 70,000 ancillary care facilities. How do I find PHCS providers?

What are three disadvantages of HMO?

Disadvantages
  • If you need specialized care, you will need a referral from your primary care physician to an in-network provider.
  • Must see in-network providers for care-less flexibility than a PPO plan.

When should I choose a PPO?

PPO: The plan with the most freedom

But this plan lets you see specialists and out-of-network doctors without a referral. Copays and coinsurance for in-network doctors are low. If you know you'll need more health care in the coming year and you can afford higher premiums, a PPO is a good choice.

Do more people have HMO or PPO?

PPOs are the most common plan type. Forty-seven percent of covered workers are enrolled in PPOs, followed by HDHP/SOs (29%), HMOs (13%), POS plans (10%), and conventional plans (1%) [Figure 5.1]. All of these percentages are similar to the enrollment percentages in 2022.

Why are PPOs more popular?

Some policymakers favor PPOs because they offer a model of managed care that is closer to traditional fee-for-service (FFS) than the health maintenance organization (HMO) options previously available to beneficiaries.

Why are HMOs so popular?

The main benefits are cost and quality of care. People who purchase HMO plans enjoy lower premiums than traditional forms of health insurance.

What is the disadvantage of a PPO?

PPO plans offer a lot of flexibility, but the downside is that there is a cost for it, relative to plans like HMOs. PPO plan positives include not needing to select a primary care physician, and not being required to get a referral to see a specialist.

What is the most expensive health insurance plan?

Platinum health insurance is the most expensive type of health care coverage you can purchase. You pay low out-of-pocket expenses for appointments and services, but high monthly premiums.

How do PPOs save consumers money?

mcap.dhcs.ca.gov/referred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

You pay less if you see these providers. These providers have contracts with the PPO to provide care at certain rates. If you go to a doctor or hospital that is not on the preferred provider list, you pay more.

Why are people against HMO?

HMOs tend to have higher maintenance costs than a standard buy-to-let since many people share them and often have a higher turnover of tenants. Wear and tear can be higher. Some tenant types, such as students, typically involve HMO landlords with more maintenance and repair issues than, say, a family tenant would.

What is a drawback to HMO insurance?

Limited provider options

For you to receive covered care, you must see professionals within this group. This lack of flexibility is a disadvantage of HMO insurance plans because, without easily accessible in-network providers, covered care will also be inaccessible.

Why do HMOs have such a bad reputation?

Sadly, many HMOs are run by either incompetent or corrupt bureaucracies, thereby compromising necessary patient care in lieu of their bottom-line. That said, some HMOs are better than others, and both patients and doctors must do their due diligence to determine whether or not to participate.

Is PPO worth the extra money?

Is PPO insurance worth the cost? It depends on your health needs, lifestyle and financial situation. For some people, the choice to see any doctor or specialist, even out of network, is worth the extra cost. For others, a more affordable plan like a Health Maintenance Organization, or HMO might be a better option.

Can a PPO be denied?

Reasons Why a Protective Order Petition Could Be Denied

There are a handful of reasons why a judge could decide to deny a petition for a protective order, including: The petitioner does not have sufficient evidence of abuse or harassment. The petitioner fails to complete their petition accurately and completely.

Can a PPO be high deductible?

Any health insurance plan (including a PPO) is considered an HDHP if it has a high-enough deductible: $1,600 for an individual and $3,200 for a family in 2024 (with those numbers rising to $1,650 and $3,300 in 2025).