The type of health insurance you have determines your out-of-pocket cost freedom of choice, and potentially the quality of care you receive. Here are a few things you may want to consider.
HMO, PPO, or High Deductible?
A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a network usually restricted to certain areas. Your primary care provider—if inside the network—is covered however you will need referrals to specialists or outside parties and may be expected to pay the full cost of care outside the network with the exception of emergencies.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) also have provider networks, but he may choose any network specialist without a referral, and may also receive outside network care although your cost will be a higher proportion of the bill. Read the rest of this entry »
