Why would a person choose a PPO over and HMO?

Asked by: Miss Josianne Cummings MD  |  Last update: December 18, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (74 votes)

PPO plans offer greater flexibility. Furthermore, patients on PPO plans don't need referrals from a PCP to see a specialist, unlike those on most HMO plans. This advantage means fewer bureaucratic hoops to jump through, which can lead to quicker access to specialized medical attention.

Why is PPO more popular than HMO?

HMO plans tend to be a little ``richer'' in terms of the out-of-pocket maximums compared to PPO Plans. PPO's tend to have higher premiums. A person chooses a PPO over an HMO for the freedom to go ``out of network'' and get medical services from doctors and hospitals that are not ``in network''.

What is an advantage of a PPO compared to an HMO?

PPOs Usually Win on Choice and Flexibility

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.

Why would a person choose a PPO over an HMO Quizlet?

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): With a PPO, you may have: 1) A moderate amount of freedom to choose your health care providers-- more than an HMO; you do not have to get a referral from a primary care doctor to see a specialist. 2) Higher out-of-pocket costs if you see out-of-network doctors vs.

What is a drawback to HMO insurance?

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.

Why would a person choose a PPO over an HMO?

38 related questions found

Do doctors prefer PPO or 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.

What are 3 disadvantages of an 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.

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.

Why do doctors not take HMO?

Each doctor has their own preferences according to their specific practice and the patients they treat. HMO plans frequently need primary care physicians to refer patients and have constrained provider networks, which may frustrate some physicians.

Why would a person choose a PPO over an HMO brainly?

Expert-Verified Answer

PPO plans offer more flexibility than HMO plans because they do not require referrals to see specialists and allow for out-of-network services. In contrast, HMOs require members to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals, limiting patient choice. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

What is a disadvantage of a PPO plan?

In general, PPO plans tend to be more expensive than an HMO plan. Your monthly premium will be higher and you will have to meet your deductible before your health insurer starts paying. You will also have to pay more out-of-pocket if you visit a provider who is not part of your PPO network.

Which type of doctor treats the largest range of ailments?

Family physicians are trained to diagnose and treat an entire spectrum of medical issues for patients of all ages. “Family physicians have a broader scope,” Dr. Doggett explains.

What are 3 major differences between HMO and PPO insurance?

Choosing between an HMO or a PPO health plan doesn't have to be complicated. The main differences between the two are the size of the healthcare provider network, the flexibility of coverage or payment assistance for doctors in network vs out of network, and the monthly payment.

What is one of the biggest advantages of PPO insurance?

One advantage of a PPO plan is that you don't need a referral to see specialists. You have the flexibility and coverage to see any provider you'd like to get care.

What is a disadvantage of choosing Kaiser?

Limited plan types: Kaiser offers mostly HMO plans, so most members must work within Kaiser's network of medical providers. Low member experience ratings: Kaiser's member experience ratings, including customer service and getting needed care, are lower than most major providers.

What is better, HMO pos or PPO?

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) has higher premiums than an HMO or POS. But this plan lets you see specialists and out-of-network doctors without a referral. Copays and coinsurance for in-network doctors are low.

Why would I choose PPO over HMO?

HMOs don't offer coverage for care from out-of-network healthcare providers. The only exception is for true medical emergencies. With a PPO, you have the flexibility to visit providers outside of your network. However, visiting an out-of-network provider will include a higher fee and a separate deductible.

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's the most likely reason a patient's HMO won't pay?

If you have an HMO or EPO, with very few exceptions, your coverage is limited to in-network providers that your health plan has a contract with. Your health insurance won't pay if you use an out-of-network provider.

Why PPO is 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.

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.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield a PPO?

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

However, BCBS still pays more to in-network providers than out-of-network providers. People who are part of a PPO do not need a physician's referral to consult with a specialist. PPOs also usually offer drug coverage. Learn about Medicare referrals.

Why do people not like HMO plans?

Cons of HMO Plans

Referrals Needed for Specialists: To see a specialist, you must first get a referral from your primary care doctor, which can delay care. Less Flexibility: If you often need care outside your network or prefer more choice in doctors, an HMO may feel restrictive compared to a PPO plan.

What are the disadvantages of a PPO?

PPO plans often have higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs than HMO plans. You may also need to pay a deductible before your benefits begin. If you see an out-of-network doctor, you'll typically have to pay the full cost of your visit and then file a claim to get money back from your PPO plan.

What is not covered by HMO?

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

This doctor provides your basic care and makes referrals to specialists. If you see a provider outside of your HMO's network, they will not pay for those services (except in the case of emergency and urgent care).