HMO or PPO?

[Jack_Dawson]

I'm currently on a PPO. "Open Enrollment" time. Seems like HMO has a lot fewer costs associated w/ it. However I like PPO's flexibility. Does anyone have a tangible reason I should go either direction?

[TZ]

1. PPO

If you get sick and need actual specialist care it will give you more flexibility and ultimately cheaper .HMO's are good for those that rarely get sick

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. I really liked the more expensive option, PPO.

Yes, it is more expensive. However, that expense buys you freedom and flexibility.

You are your own gatekeeper. You decide who you want to see you.

You're going to pay either way. You might as well pay for the options you want.

I never regretted having PPO.

And why am I off it now? Finally, I am old enough for Medicare.

:hi:

[Jack_Dawson]

5. Awesome feedback!

4-0 in favour of PPO. Funny the medical insurance guy didn't mention all these intangibles. I think they really want us all to be on HMOs. I knew something was off.

:beer:

[Dappleganger]

3. We switched from HMO to PPO after 4 years...

due to the fact they kept denying certain types of treatment (I'm a 2x breast-cancer survivor, among other things), denied multiple asthma meds for the kids and I, and a half dozen other reasons. Since using a PPO it's been MUCH less of a headache and honestly we haven't seen much difference in money spent. The cost of prescriptions is nearly the same, too. I love not having to get a referral for specialist--that is one thing I would not want to change.

[Jack_Dawson]

6. Wow. You just made up my mind.

Thanks! :toast:

[SPKrazy]

4. PPO

Usually closer to a fee for service plan which would be much better. HMO's look good on the outside, but tightly manage costs to a degree that you might not get treatment covering some issues. However if you are health, don't mind paying extra for things that might not be covered if you needed to, then an HMO might be for you.

Personally I think a war on Minnesota is needed because they gave us the HMO which has been the first in a series of events that have resulted in the breakage of the health care system. Once insurance companies became more about making a buck than insuring lives, and about restricting care instead of paying for it, its been a slippery slope down to where we are today.

[no name no slogan]

11. Hey, bite me, Arkie!

We in Minnesota don't like UnitedHealth any more than you do! In fact, UnitedHealth cannot even operate in MN because state law forbids for-profit HMOs from offering plans here. And don't get me started on what a colossal douchebag the CEO is-- giving himself multi-million dollar bonuses while he lays off front-line employees. We don't like him around here, and we don't like how he does business, that's for sure.

Insurance companies used to be about managing risk. Now they're about turning a buck. Sad.

[mainegreen]

7. PPO. n/t

[tigereye]

8. PPO I would say...

[Jack_Dawson]

9. Based on what you've read

or your own experience?

[tigereye]

10. personal experience and work experience (as a health care provider)