Released: January 29, 2019

Help Desk FAQ

How is a PPO and how does it work?

A preferred provider organization (PPO) is a health plan that offers more flexibility in care than a health maintenance organization (HMO). The biggest difference is that, as a PPO patient, you don't need to select a primary care physician and you don't have to get his or her permission to see other health care providers. You can go to any health care professional you want without a referral—inside or outside of your network. Staying inside your network, however, means smaller co-pays and full coverage. PPO plans generally are more expensive than HMO plans, but that is still cheaper than not having insurance at all.