What’s the difference between an HMO, a POS, and a PPO? | Health care answers in 60 seconds

Learn the differences between standard health plans: HMO, POS and PPO. Knowing the basics about networks and costs will help you choose the coverage that’s right for you.

[donaldtropp]

This video is a terrific resource about the difference between an HMO, a POS, and a PPO health plan. People have shorter attention spans nowadays so it was smart to produce a 60-second video that I thought was visually appealing and easy to watch and understand. Using a garden as an analogy was helpful in keeping the explanation simple. Obviously, health insurance is not a “one size fits all” type of product. Everyone’s situation is different, and they need to choose the plan that best fits their needs, wants, and budget after weighing the pros and cons for each option. In a previous job as a human resources manager, I worked with a broker to establish and manage my employer’s health insurance plan (CareFirst BCBS), and we offered the same three options discussed in the video. If I recall correctly, most of the employees selected either a POS or PPO plan. Personally, I picked POS and did not have any complaints. Since leaving the company (and eventually becoming a stay-at-home dad and small business owner), my family has been covered under my wife’s CareFirst BCBS Federal PPO plan. Although the costs are higher, we are very happy with it and are grateful to have excellent health insurance coverage. I have bookmarked this link and will share it with anyone looking to better understand these plans.

[iovsfzj]

Your videos are very useful and provide lots of information. I have received lots of help after watching this post, please continue to share this kind of information. Thank you.

[estheresparza]

I have always opted for a PPO mainly for the freedom from having to get a referral to see a specialist. I can appreciate the options and providing flexibility to employees based on their particular circumstances, however, a PPO allows me to see any doctor of my choice, to include specialists. I don’t feel trapped with one primary doctor or have to worry about staying in-network. My son was in travel baseball, so that alone was reason enough to appreciate what a PPO offers. Because my family and I travel quite a bit, PPOs are the best fit for me.

[jakemoss]

This video was a huge help in giving me more perspective on the difference between an HMO, POS, and PPO. Ultimately I feel like employees would like one of two key ideals. To first be able to pick from a multitude of different physicians and doctors and second minimize what they have to pay. Based on the video checking both these boxes might not be an easy option. For me personally I want to ultimately receive the best care to ensure that my health is of the utmost priority. If I had to pay a little more for that service then I feel like its worth it. In this scenario the PPO plan would best serve my interests wants and desires with regards to health care plans.

[theresafarrell]

MSM COMP & B: I appreciated this short and concise video about health insurance companies. For me, I would choose a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. I am 23, engaged, and about to be moving to Washington state. I have no children, no debt, and share rent with roommates. When I get married, I will help take over some of the burden from my partners debt. I do not see any specialists and I rarely get sick. I will have to find a new primary care physician when I move, which is a very daunting task in my opinion. I am at the phase in my life where I am saving at all costs to be able to afford a future home of our own.

[BrijhetteFarmer]

Excellent video that really cleared up a lot of my confusion. Thank you. Navigating our health insurance system is extremely difficult, so communication campaigns like this one are GREATLY appreciated.

[marybethosazuwa]

I genuinely enjoyed watching “What’s the difference between an HMO, a POS, and a PPO?”, as it provided much information and insight throughout the entire video. I truly appreciate the fact that it expanded my knowledge in regard to insurance. This video gave me knowledge as to numerous insurance options and how to select based on whether it’s for myself individually or for my family. Therefore, it was great to learn that information. I personally would choose PPO due to the fact that I am able to choose the provider I see on my own terms, comfort level, and at my convenience instead of having one assigned or recommended to me.

[kiasiaanderson]

This video was informative and straightforward as it discussed the differences of the HMO, POS, and PPO health care plans. The presentation was helpful as it illustrated visuals to explain the terminology of health plans while remaining only a minute long. In comparison to the other plans, I would prefer the PPO as it allows me to see specialists without the hassle of a referral from my primary care physician. I believe that in the HMO plan, an individual is limited to their physician to make determinations on their behalf which could be damaging if the medical professional is subjective. Therefore, it would be crucial to find a doctor that I trust has my best interest at heart in the HMO plan.

[chetnasharma]

I found the video and the article really insightful. The article and the video are concise and come straight to the point. I would definitely recommend this video to my friends who are looking for healthcare answers. For me, I would choose Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) a budget-friendly plan as it offers low premiums, deductibles and has fixed co-pays. I believe, HMO is perfect and flexible for persons who don’t have any serious medical condition. In my opinion, a Primary care physician (PCP) giving referrals before you see any specialist is always a good idea so he knows what are the problems you are dealing with. Also, I prefer all my health records shared in one place and is accessible by all my doctors.
I have HMO insurance at present and it's perfect. It's a great system and works elegantly when it comes to offering high-quality health care at affordable prices.

[sonjacossio]

Based upon the article in which this video is embedded, the current best option for both employers and their employees are HDHP plans, combined with HSAs. Employers have the option to match employee contributions to HSAs, even up to 100 percent. The HDHP option, a type of consumer-driven health care plan, controls costs, in a similar way in which managed-care plans attempt to control costs. The major difference between the two is more choice about your health care. When an HDHP is combined with an HSA, employees may save substantially on medical services due to the flexibility in moving an HSA to another plan with another company, HSAs are adjusted for inflation, employees can choose from a wider variety of providers/medical facilities and the funds may roll over at the end of the year, unlike an FSA or HRA.

[deniseburns]

The video was very informative. I think it is important to know your insurance options whether you have a large family or it's just yourself. I am familiar with most of the plans, except the ladder, Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO). I personally prefer a PPO because I like to choose the specialist I want to see, and when I want to see them. I do not want to wait on an referral from my primary care or deal with insurance out of network issues.

[johnyoest]

This short video is required viewing for my graduate students taking Compensation and Benefits at The Catholic University of America

[enough]

I just would love to see a doctor. Just one! Any time, any issue….just a doctor! PPO is the master of who will see you. 988….I still have 981 to go.
NAH…………….insurance and medical care is for de dead. I will just wait.

[courtney]

If you need this insulting video to navigate something of a basic Heath requirement, the system is messed up

[themilstar]

Here at Aetna we strive to do everything we can to turn down any medical treatment you would like to get. We will require that you jump through ever hoop of fire until we give in and use the money you gave us for medical purposes in the first place. Remember we are there for you, but not really. We just want money and could care less if you live in pain. All insurance companies are evil and deserve absolutely no respect or kindness.