What is an EPO plan with BCBS?

Asked by: Stefan Hermann  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
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EPO -- stands for Exclusive Provider Organization -- is similar to an in that it is a healthcare plan that covers eligible services from providers and facilities inside a network.

What is EPO Blue Cross Blue Shield?

EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plan

With the exception of emergency services, there are no benefits for members who choose to receive services outside of the preferred provider network. Members do not need to select a primary care provider or get referrals from a primary care provider to see a specialist.

What is the difference between BCBS PPO and EPO?

EPO vs PPO eligible expenses

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.

Is an EPO a good plan?

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.

How do EPO plans work?

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) health plans offer a local network of providers and hospitals from which members can choose to receive care. EPOs generally have lower monthly premiums than PPO plans but members cannot receive covered care outside of their plan's work with the exception of an emergency.

What Are The Differences Between HMO, PPO, And EPO Health Plans NEW

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What is the deductible for EPO?

Participating: $250 per individual / $500 per family calendar year brand-name drug deductible. Non-Participating: Not Covered There are no other specific deductibles.

Do EPO plans need a referral?

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.

What are the benefits of a EPO plan?

EPO plans may have lower costs than other types of healthcare plans if you can stay in-network. Exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans limit members to using a network of doctors and other providers. EPOs typically cost less than preferred provider organization (PPO) plans.

Are EPO plans self funded?

EPO plans usually have the lowest premiums or self-funded plan costs.

Is an EPO better than an HMO?

EPO health insurance often has lower premiums than HMOs. However, HMOs have a bigger network of healthcare providers which more than makes up for it. You may also want to consider your location when choosing a health insurance plan. EPOs are better suited for rural areas than HMOs.

Is an EPO 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.

Do EPO plans have out of network benefits?

EPO Insurance Plans

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. There are no out-of-network benefits.

Why is EPO more expensive than PPO?

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.

What type of insurance is an EPO?

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plan. 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).

What does EOP mean in insurance?

August 10, 2019. This Explanation of Payment (EOP) shows reimbursements and/or denials based on claims processed by your plan.

Does BCBS EPO require referral?

EPO -- stands for Exclusive Provider Organization -- is similar to an in that it is a healthcare plan that covers eligible services from providers and facilities inside a network. ... Unlike an HMO, EPO participants are not usually required to have a primary care physician or referrals.

How do I find out my deductible?

A deductible can be either a specific dollar amount or a percentage of the total amount of insurance on a policy. The amount is established by the terms of your coverage and can be found on the declarations (or front) page of standard homeowners and auto insurance policies.

Do EPO plans have copays?

Copay. ... Except for preventive care, you pay a copay for each network office visit (in-person or virtual): $40 for primary and behavioral health care visits, $60 for visits to a specialist or when seeking care at an urgent care center, and $10 when using the telemedicine benefit.

Is a PPO or HSA better?

An HSA is an additional benefit for people with HDHP to save on medical costs. The PPO is a more flexible health insurance plan for people who have doctors and facilities they use that are out-of-network. ... Spouses can contribute to two different HSA accounts.

What is EPO copay?

EPO stands for exclusive provider organization, and doesn't cover any out-of-network care. A Blue Dental EPO plan only covers services from in-network PPO dentists. This reduces costs, so your monthly payments will be lower. The more a plan pays for out-of-network care, the higher your monthly payments will be.

What does it mean 10 coinsurance after deductible?

Coinsurance is an additional cost that some health care plans require policy holders to pay after the deductible is met. ... For instance, with 10 percent coinsurance and a $2,000 deductible, you would owe $2,800 on a $10,000 operation – $2,000 for the deductible and then $800 for the coinsurance on the remaining $8000.

How do I know if I have a PPO or HMO?

The key difference between HMOs and PPOs is that a PPO plan is more flexible and allows you to see healthcare providers both inside and outside your plan's network, while an HMO plan only covers in-network treatment (with exceptions detailed below).

Can you get a PPO through marketplace?

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).

Why would a person choose a PPO over an HMO?

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.

Why are the premiums for a PPO health insurance plan generally?

Why are the premiums for a PPO health insurance plan generally more expensive than those for an HMO Health Insurance Plan? PPO insurance plans offer a wider choice of primary care doctors and specialists.