What is the difference between an HMO & a PPO?

HMO and PPO are two types of health insurance plans offered in Hawaii. An HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, is a type of plan that requires you to choose a primary care doctor and get your healthcare services through that doctor or a network of providers affiliated with that doctor. In order to see a specialist, you must first get a referral from your primary care doctor. With an HMO, you typically pay a monthly premium and copay at the time of service. A PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, is a more flexible health insurance plan. You are not required to select a primary care doctor and can receive healthcare services from any provider in the network. You do not need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. With a PPO, you typically pay a monthly premium and a deductible before your insurance pays for care. In summary, an HMO requires you to select a primary care doctor and get referrals for specialty care, while a PPO allows you to receive care from any provider in the network without a referral. Both types of plans require you to pay a monthly premium and copay, but with a PPO you must also pay a deductible.

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