The names of these plan types don't explain much on their own. Here's what each one actually means for you in plain terms - whether you can see any doctor, whether you need referrals, and who tends to be the best fit for each.
| PPO | HMO | EPO | POS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See any doctor, anywhere | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Partial |
| No referrals needed | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Nationwide coverage | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | Partial |
| Out-of-network care covered | ✓ | Emergencies only | Emergencies only | Some |
| Often a good fit for the self-employed or frequent travelers | ✓ | ✗ | Limited | Limited |
The right answer depends on where you live, which doctors you want to keep, how often you travel, and what you're comfortable paying monthly versus out of pocket. That's exactly what a quick call is for - I'll walk through your specific situation and tell you plainly which structure fits, instead of leaving you to guess from a chart.
Lienna is a licensed health insurance advisor who has helped families and individuals save over $2 million in coverage costs over the last three years, across 31 states. Every page on this site is written and reviewed by Lienna, so the guidance you read comes from a licensed advisor - not a content mill.
A first call is free and there's no obligation to enroll through me - I'll tell you honestly if this is the right move.