What is Anthem Blue Cross EPO?

Asked by: Conner Jacobs  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.5/5 (36 votes)

An EPO is a sort of hybrid plan that offers some of the flexibility of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan and the cost savings of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. ... The Anthem Blue Cross Silver EPO A plan even offers no deductible on prescription drug benefits.

What is the difference between Anthem EPO and PPO?

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.

What is the anthem EPO plan?

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

An EPO typically offers a local network of doctors and hospitals to choose from. However, if you receive care outside of the network it will not be covered, except in the event of an emergency.

What is Blue Cross EPO?

An Exclusive Provider Organization is designed for integration of a healthcare plan, health providers and an insurance company. ... An EPO plan often covers services in-network with network providers and has $0 benefits for out-of-network.

What does EPO mean on insurance card?

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).

Blue Cross and Blue Shield | Health care system | Heatlh & Medicine | Khan Academy

43 related questions found

What does EPO and PPO mean?

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.

What is an EPO plan vs HMO?

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.

Do EPO insurance plans require referrals?

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.

Is EPO health good?

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.

Is Anthem an HMO or PPO?

Focus on Quality. > Anthem Blue Cross HMO/POS has earned an Excellent Accreditation status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). > Anthem Blue Cross PPO is the first and continues to be the only PPO in California to have earned a Full Accreditation from the NCQA5.

What does 30% coinsurance mean?

Coinsurance is your share of the costs of a health care service. ... When you go to the doctor, instead of paying all costs, you and your plan share the cost. For example, your plan pays 70 percent. The 30 percent you pay is your coinsurance.

Is anthem a high deductible health plan?

The Anthem Act Wise HDHP (formerly known as the Anthem Lumenos HDHP) is a medical plan that offers comprehensive coverage for everything from doctor visits, x-rays and lab tests, to hospitalization and prescription drugs. It includes a unique tax-advantaged account, called the Health Savings Account (HSA).

What is EPO network?

An EPO, or Exclusive Provider Organization, is a type of health plan that offers a local network of doctors and hospitals for you to choose from. ... If you're looking for lower monthly premiums and are willing to pay a higher deductible when you need health care, you may want to consider an EPO plan.

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 is the downside of an EPO?

What are the Cons of EPOs? You may not be able to continue with your current doctor or specialists. You must use in-network providers unless it's an emergency. For EPOs with local networks only, non-emergency medical needs will not be covered when you travel.

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.

How do EPO insurance 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 is direct pay EPO?

An exclusive provider organization, or EPO, is a health insurance plan that only allows you to get health care services from doctors, hospitals, and other care providers who are within your network. Your insurance will not cover any costs you get from going to someone outside of that network.

Does an EPO have a number of doctors and hospitals in its network?

An EPO is a health plan that offers a full-network of doctors and hospitals from which to choose. ... Like a PPO, employees with EPO coverage don't need to get a referral from a Primary Care Physician (PCP) to visit a specialist, as long as the doctor is part of the EPO network.

Is POS or EPO better?

POS is great if you want more choice over the options provided by your insurer, while those that don't mind having less options in doctors and facilities may prefer EPO. Whether you choose a PPO, HMO, HDHP, POS or EPO, consider costs, flexibility, coverage and convenience when making the decision.

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).

What is Virginia EPO connect?

The Cigna Connect Network is an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), which gives you access to local providers selected with cost and quality in mind.

Is Anthem the same as Blue Cross?

About Anthem. ... In California Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association.