Which is better..an HMO or a PPO and why?

PPO.

PPO is better, but it's more expensive. If you can afford it, definitely get the PPO.

It's better because of choice. With a PPO you get much more choice of doctors, hospitals, coverage for procedures.

I think an POO, because you pick your own provider with the POO and the HMO has a list you pick from. It depends on if you know of any good doctors or not.

usually a ppo because its a preferred provider option.

this means they have a list of doctors,hospitals,etc and you get to choose from this list. if you choose from the list they pay a certain percentage. for example say 90%

if you choose to go with a doctor,hospital,etc outside of the list then they only pay a lesser percentage. say 80%

if your in a hmo they choose everything for you if you want them to pay for whatever

I prefer HMO's because they are less expensive and I find the coverage to be adequate for my needs.
With HMO's you chose a main doctor and then if you need to go to a specialist for something then you need a referral from your main doctor. You will pay flat copays for service (you will probably be able to find the $ amount in your benefit information). If you see a doctor that is not your main doctor and do not have a referral you will not have coverage and have to pay for everything. This is unless you are in an emergency situation or need medical service when you are out of town. Insurance policies actually take that stuff into consideration and will pay in those circumstances.
With a PPO you can go to any doctor at any time. If one is participating with your insurance you will pay less. You will probably pay more monthly with a PPO. Also, you will have to pay a deductible for services (that info should be in your benefit packet) and once the deductible is met then you pay a certain percentage of the cost of service.
The reason I prefer an HMO is because I like to know exactly how much I will owe after a visit. Also, who doesn't want to save money? It also helps that my main doctor is a person who I trust and is helpful and refers me to specialists without any problems. Also, just an FYI, if you go with the HMO and don't like the main doctor that you pick, you are allowed to change to a different doctor.

A PPO is better because they have a list of Preffered Practioners Orginization..hense the PPO. You can go to any of them and the cost is lower but you don't need refferals or anything.
With an HMO they have their own Dr.'s that work for them and they get bonuses if they keep costs down for the Health Management Orginization. Then, you may have to be reffered by your Primary Healthcare Dr. to even go to a specialist. They limit what they pay for more than PPO's do and PPO Dr.'s are under contract to accept a certain amount of payment to see a patient but they are not working for the orginization like HMO Dr.s are. SEE? It is confusing but let's just say that PPO DR's don't profit from not giving you good care when HMO Dr's make money if they limit care and costs for the company. that might be easier to understand, it's all about money. missmarymrpete@yahoo.com