PPO or HMO, what do you think?

I am british starting work in the USA for the first time and the people I will be working for offer a ppo and a hmo for health ins. What are the differences and which should I get?

PPO for sure. With an HMO, you need to see a primary care physician before you are referred anywhere else. With PPO, you can see a neurologist, an orthopedist, a cardiologist, etc without having to see your primary care physician. Just make sure you check on your premiums, co-pays, etc. PPO usually cost a little more.

Never settle for an HMO unless you can't afford the PPO. You will pay almost as much for the HMO in the long run, and with the HMO, you will have to see a doctor to see specialist. And you'll have to take off of work twice to see two doctors, instead of just going to the specialist yourself. HMOs take too much control away from you.

The HMO has cheaper co-pays so I would go for that. Some say they like the PPO plans because they can choose different Dr.'s, but the Dr. selection is very good with an HMO. PPO's also have much higher co-pays.

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