What is the difference between a PPO, HMO, and POS health insurance plan?
PPO – Preferred Provider Organization A special arrangement between an insurer and hospitals, physicians and other health care professionals to pay for health care services, resulting in savings for the insured. PPO coverage does not require you to use a PPO doctor. HMO – Health Maintenance Organization An approach to health care utilizing the Primary Care Physician (PCP) concept. HMOs provide preventive care, such as routine physicals, education, and early intervention to decrease occurrence of disease. POS – Point of Service A health care plan that utilizes a Primary Care Physician but also provides insurance coverage for any provider you choose to see. If a health care provider, other than your PCP is used, deductibles and co-payments apply.
PPO – Preferred Provider Organization A special arrangement between an insurer and hospitals, physicians and other health care professionals to pay for health care services, resulting in savings for the insured. PPO coverage does not require you to use a PPO doctor. HMO – Health Maintenance Organization An approach to health care utilizing the Primary Care Physician (PCP) concept. HMOs provide preventive care, such as routine physicals, education, and early intervention to decrease occurrence of disease. POS – Point of Service A health care plan that utilizes a Primary Care Physician but also provides insurance coverage for any provider you choose to see. If a health care provider, other than your PCP is used, deductibles and co-payments apply.
