ppo/hmo??????????

Question

I currently enrolled in an HMO plan. I am married with 2 (athletic) kids. I am responsible for the health insurance for my family. We are a relativly healthy family with the exception of a sports related injury every once in a while. It doesnt matter to me what dr. I see, as I am not overjoyed with my pcp. Should I switch to a PPO? I think that I will have a $500 deductible.

I need advice.

I have used the dr. 7 times this year. $30 co-pay.

Answer 1

Stay with the HMO if you can. If you've been with the HMO for awhile all your families records are there and they're familiar with you. If the HMO is less expensive than the PPO stay with it.

When you go with the PPO, you most likely have to find your own Dr who participates in the plan. You'll have to start over with a whole new group of people who will need to get to know you & your family.

Insurance premiums are constantly increasing so keep whatever low cost co-pay you can get. An HMO most likely will cover ALL of your hospital costs if you ever need to go there.

Answer 2

We have always chosen a PPO over HMO because in our plan, if you really hate the doc, you have no choice but to stay. With a PPO, we can choose from a wider selection of docs in many specialties, plus we can go to a specialist if we feel it's necessary, without a direct referral.

I think you get a lot more flexibility. Plus, in our plan (Anthem BCBS) the PPO premiums are cheaper.