HMO vs. PPO, Round 1... FIGHT!
VIP Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 9,351
From: pompous douchebag
Car Info: $200,000 sports car
at my current job we had the option of HMO, EPO, or PPO. I went with the EPO because of it's lower premiums and lower copays. We're sutter patients, and they have all the specialists and hospitals in the area we could ever want. All of that stuff is considered "in-network" so it's no biggie. i'm gonna go EPO when I go back to siemens as well.
the trend i've seen is that EPO is replacing HMO as the lower cost alternative. the insurance companies give you a bit more freedom with that plan, but you pay a bit more over HMO.
if you're someone who only goes to the doctor for regular checkups or when sick, an HMO like kaiser is a screaming deal. we used to have Healthnet HMO before my employer scratched them, i thought it was a pretty sweet plan.
we currently have AETNA, and while it covers pretty much everything, they seem to require a lot of "hand-holding" from us. i won't be using them again.
the trend i've seen is that EPO is replacing HMO as the lower cost alternative. the insurance companies give you a bit more freedom with that plan, but you pay a bit more over HMO.
if you're someone who only goes to the doctor for regular checkups or when sick, an HMO like kaiser is a screaming deal. we used to have Healthnet HMO before my employer scratched them, i thought it was a pretty sweet plan.
we currently have AETNA, and while it covers pretty much everything, they seem to require a lot of "hand-holding" from us. i won't be using them again.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Originally Posted by nKoan
In general I prefer PPO to HMO, but the specifics of each deal could make me flip flop. Where I am working, the cost is relatively the same which makes it all the easier for me to pick PPO. Growing up, I was covered by an HMO, and I was happy using them too. It really comes down to the specifics, and how often you think you'll be going to the doctor.
Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
You are using BC/BS then, yes? Thanks, that's significant input. I'm still tryng to learn the differences overall and really I don't think either one will be a "bad" choice given how little time I expect to spend in medical care for the next 5 years. But I at least want to investigate them both thoroughly before hand.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Originally Posted by SubyN00by
can we get a poll up in this mug...
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Originally Posted by T-Will
Dude just get on Medi-Cal, we're teh best!11
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,018
From: Sactown
Car Info: 2006 Audi A3/2007 Civic Si
I just switched to bc/bs from PacifiCare (HMO). I am glad I did. Not that I was unhappy with it since Sutter is all over Elk Grove, but the specialist we needed was only in the downtown area. I was also able to keep my current doctor which is cool.
I need chiro/massage therapy which PacifiCare didn't cover that bc/bs covers. After meeting my $300 ded my massage is now $15 an hour. This alone beats PacifiCare for me and now I have access to the specialist we needed that's alot closer to home.
Oh and I don't have to pay anything for my coverage HMO or PPO so it was easier for me to switch, but it could be an issue it you are looking at a high PPO premium.
I need chiro/massage therapy which PacifiCare didn't cover that bc/bs covers. After meeting my $300 ded my massage is now $15 an hour. This alone beats PacifiCare for me and now I have access to the specialist we needed that's alot closer to home.
Oh and I don't have to pay anything for my coverage HMO or PPO so it was easier for me to switch, but it could be an issue it you are looking at a high PPO premium.
Thread Starter
Registered User
iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Originally Posted by -j-
I just switched to bc/bs from PacifiCare (HMO). I am glad I did. Not that I was unhappy with it since Sutter is all over Elk Grove, but the specialist we needed was only in the downtown area. I was also able to keep my current doctor which is cool.
I need chiro/massage therapy which PacifiCare didn't cover that bc/bs covers. After meeting my $300 ded my massage is now $15 an hour. This alone beats PacifiCare for me and now I have access to the specialist we needed that's alot closer to home.
Oh and I don't have to pay anything for my coverage HMO or PPO so it was easier for me to switch, but it could be an issue it you are looking at a high PPO premium.
I need chiro/massage therapy which PacifiCare didn't cover that bc/bs covers. After meeting my $300 ded my massage is now $15 an hour. This alone beats PacifiCare for me and now I have access to the specialist we needed that's alot closer to home.
Oh and I don't have to pay anything for my coverage HMO or PPO so it was easier for me to switch, but it could be an issue it you are looking at a high PPO premium.
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,018
From: Sactown
Car Info: 2006 Audi A3/2007 Civic Si
Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
This was all irrelvant to me since I am not in Sac... up until you mentioned chiro/massage. I've been havign occasional issues with my back lately and massage would be a good thing. I will definitely look into how it is covered under both plans.
Originally Posted by BAN SUVS
The downside to living in the land of legal prostitution is that "massage" means "massage." 