EPO, HMO or PPO? What’s the Difference?

One of the most common decisions within health insurance is whether to go with an HMO or PPO and (if you’re on the marketplace) if you want an EPO. Let’s break it down.

PPO

PPOs will give you the most flexibility. You will not need a PCP, which is a primary care physician. You also do not need a referral to see a specialist. So, what does that mean? Basically, if you want to see anyone other than a general practitioner with other types of plans, you need to first go to your PCP to have them refer you to a specialist like a cardiologist or neurologist. This can be difficult for many reasons.

1. It’s an extra visit
2. You have less control
3. Waiting

These types of plans usually have higher monthly premiums when compared with HMOs or EPOs. However, you will have coverage in and out of the network. This applies to marketplace plans, private insurance, short term medical plans, Medicare Advantage and even dental insurance.

Dental PPO

When discussing general health insurance, it is usually not too difficult to find a PCP who is in the network. However, this is often not the case with dentists. It can be very difficult to find a dentist who accepts a DHMO. Also, because of the way DHMO dentists bill, many patients report dissatisfaction and feeling rushed. 

Under 65

If you definitely want a PPO and you are under 65, they can be very difficult to find in the on marketplace. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but they are few and far between. If you are intent on a marketplace plan and need more flexibility, then EPOs are your best option.

If you really need a PPO, then private insurance will be easier to find. However, private insurance can be rather pricey. So, you may want to look into a short term medical plan.

Short-term medical plans can be a great way for a younger, mostly healthy person to have a large range of benefits at a lower price.

1. Lower premium
2. Year-round enrollment
3. Nationwide PPO coverage
4. Customizable

However, short-term medical plans are not ideal for all people, and they are not even available in all states. They will not cover pregnancy and although some preexisitng conditions will be covered after the first year of a multi-year plan, if you have a more complex condition, it may not be covered at all. These types of plans are also not ideal for people with young children.

Medicare Advantage

PPOs may be available for Medicare Advantage plans as well. Medicare Advantage is a replacement for Original Medicare. A Medicare Advantage plan (even a PPO) will STILL not offer you the same freedom as Original Medicare with a Supplement, but they can be an alternative if you are looking for a broader range of benefits with a lower monthly premium. Most of our clients still opt for a Medigap plan, with good reason, and they are far more popular than Medicare Advantage Plans.

EPOs

EPOs split the difference between a PPO and HMO. They are much more common on the marketplace. You can learn more on healthcare.gov.

EPOs do not require a PCP or a referral for specialist visits. However, you will only have in network coverage (except in the case of a true medical emergency). Because PPOs can be rather difficult to find on the marketplace, for most people looking for more flexibility, this is usually the best option.

HMO

Finally, there are HMOs. HMOs are usually your least expensive option. However, you must operate within network. If you choose to go out of network, you will NOT be covered.

The exception to this is in a true medical emergency. If you need immediate and urgent medical care at a hospital, under the ACA you cannot be charged more for the ER at an out of network facility vs. in network. Balance billing is a thing of the past. 

With HMOs you will also need a PCP. You will also need a referral to see a specialist. Often if you have insurance through your employer, you will have an HMO and PPO option. HMOs are also plentiful on the marketplace and of course, if you choose Medicare Advantage, there are many HMOs to choose from, but these come with their own risks. We advise you to do your research into Medicare Advantage before making the commitment.