Why is EPO more expensive than HMO?

Asked by: Joanny Powlowski  |  Last update: November 19, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)

EPO: A larger network makes life easier
Like HMOs, EPOs cover only in-network care. But the networks are generally larger. They may or may not require referrals from a primary care physician. Premiums are higher than HMOs, but lower than PPOs.

Is it better to have EPO or HMO?

EPO plans often have a more extensive network than HMO plans and do not give out-of-network benefits like PPO plans. One of the major benefits of EPO vs. HMO is that you won't have to choose a PCP, and you won't need a referral to see a specialist.

Which is cheaper HMO or EPO?

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), is a type of health plan that offers a local network of doctors and hospitals for you to choose from. It usually has lower monthly premiums than a PPO or an EPO health plan.

Why is EPO more expensive than PPO?

EPO vs PPO eligible expenses

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. However, it's important to know that some EPOs are narrow networks and might not have in-network specialists close by.

Why is HMO so much cheaper?

Many HMO providers are paid on a per-member basis, regardless of the number of times they see a member. This makes HMO plans a more economical choice than PPOs. An HMO generally only covers care received from the plan's contracted providers, known as “in-network” providers.

What is an HMO, PPO, HDHP or EPO

36 related questions found

What is a disadvantage of HMO for providers?

Disadvantages of HMOs

Medical professionals must be part of the plan's network. You can't visit a specialist without a referral from your family doctor. Emergencies must meet certain conditions before the plan pays.

Why would a person choose a PPO over an HMO?

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.

Is an EPO plan worth it?

The Benefits of an EPO Insurance Plan

It offers more flexibility than a HMO because there's no need for a referral from your PCP to receive specialist care. An EPO is competitively priced, too. It frequently offers more affordable premiums than a PPO. For many, an EPO is a happy medium between an HMO and a PPO.

What is the monthly premium for EPO?

Costs of an EPO Plan

EPO health insurance plans typically cost yless than Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans with lower rates for care. According to the eHealth Index Report for 2019 Coverage, EPO premiums averaged $412 per month.

Why is EPO cheaper?

The cost of a PPO plan will also increase the more often you take advantage of that freedom, as you are expected to cover a higher proportion of the costs incurred in seeing healthcare providers from outside the network. EPOs are usually cheaper due to the restrictions on which healthcare providers you can visit.

What is the greatest benefit of HMO and EPO insurance types?

Much like a HMO plan, you cannot go outside of your plan's network for care and you will not be covered if you choose to receive care from an out of network provider. One of the biggest advantages of an EPO plan is the lower cost. EPOs typically cost less than both HMOs and PPOs.

Why is my PPO cheaper than HMO?

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.

How does EPO health insurance work?

An EPO plan offers in-network coverage only and does not require referrals for specialty care. EPO members may be required to select a PCP. Also, EPO plans don't cover out-of-network care unless it's an emergency.

What is the biggest difference between HMO EPO PPO and POS healthcare plans?

In a nutshell, they'll generally say that HMOs and POS plans require a referral from a primary care doctor in order to see a specialist, while PPOs and EPOs do not, and that PPOs and POS plans cover out-of-network care, while HMOs and EPOs do not.

Is PPO more popular than HMO?

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 EPO plans have copays?

Copay: When you join an EPO network, you have to pay a copay. This might include $20 for a doctor visit or $100 for a trip to the emergency room, for example. See individual plan details to find out the copays for various services and providers.

How much EPO per week?

Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 150 units per kilogram (kg) injected under the skin three times a week or 40,000 units injected under the skin once a week. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.

Who pays for EPO?

Under EPO insurance, members are only responsible for paying their copayment, coinsurance and deductible.

What are the cons of the EPO plan?

Cons Explained
  • May have high deductibles: In exchange for lower premiums, you may pay more in annual deductibles with an EPO.
  • No coverage outside of the network: If you receive services from providers that aren't in your EPO's network, you may get no assistance from your insurer.

What are the risks of an EPO plan?

EPO disadvantages:

You are responsible for the full cost of all other out-of-network services. Other out-of-pocket costs: While EPO premiums may be lower compared to other plan types, your EPO may charge deductibles and coinsurance. HMO and point of service (POS) plans generally do not assess deductibles.

What is an EPO in Humana?

Exclusive Provider Organization

An EPO plan is an in-network, copay based plan. Members will pay a fixed copay for covered services received from in-network providers.

Why do many patients prefer a PPO?

PPO plans give you more flexibility in deciding which healthcare providers you want to visit, but care is still usually more affordable if you stay within the network of providers your policy covers.

What are the disadvantages of a PPO?

Disadvantages of PPO plans
  • Typically higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs than for HMO plans.
  • More responsibility for managing and coordinating your own care without a primary care doctor.

What are 2 advantages of choosing the PPO?

Advantages
  • Do not have to select a Primary Care Physician.
  • Can choose any doctor you choose but offers discounts to those within their preferred network.
  • No referral required to see a specialist.
  • More flexibility than other plan options.
  • Greater control over your choices as long as you don't mind paying for them.