Hmo

[Lao Tzu]

Does anyone know anything about HMOs? i just signed up for a dental plan, which i think is a good deal. What other managed care plans are available other than dental or prescription drugs?

Technically the dental plan isn't an HMO is is a managed care plan that offers 50-60% discounts on dental work.

Anyway if anyone has info on HMOs or health (vision, dental, prescription drugs, etc) discount plans feel free to post it.

 

[Code]

If offered an HMO or a PPO, and you have family or expect to frequent the doctors and dentist often, go with the PPO.

If you only plan on emergency and annual visists, go HMO.

 

[the People's Champ]

Code-you are suggesting that because that is cost effective? I dont have any dependents, btw.

 

[VooDoo Lady]

Code-you are suggesting that because that is cost effective? I dont have any dependents, btw.

a PPO does not require you to get a referral to go to a specialist...plus you can go to any doctor you want to without being penalized (no "network" of Dr's that you HAVE to use)

An HMO usually has a low co-pay and that's all you have to worry about cost-wise, but you are limited in the Dr's you can see and you have to see your Primay-care Dr FIRST no matter what.....so that's 2 trips to the Dr instead of one.....more hassle.

 

[mrbill]

a PPO does not require you to get a referral to go to a specialist...plus you can go to any doctor you want to without being penalized (no "network" of Dr's that you HAVE to use)

actually, there is additional fees for going to a doctor outside of your PPO network because if you select a doctor outside the network you will have a higher co-pay and less reimbursement.

Probably, the major difference between the systems as far as doctor selection goes (ignoring other factors like cost, etc.) is that in a HMO you must choose 1 PCP (primary care physician) who will basically oversee all your medical needs (except emergency) and who basically recommends other specialist etc. if needed, but you must go to them first. In a PPO you do not have to make this choice but can use any doctor in the PPO network.