PPO- Preferred Provider Organization With the PPO it is always best to stay in network. If you go out of network a few things can happen. You may owe a higher deductible or the insurance may pay a lower percentage after deductible.

PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. When you enroll in a PPO plan, you’ll have access to a network of “preferred providers,” including family doctors, hospitals, and specialists.

PPO plans include two levels of coverage. You’ll have one set of benefits for care received from providers within the network, and another for care received outside the network. Your PPO plan will pay for less of your bill when you get care outside the preferred network.

PPOs provide coverage for medical services such as:

1. Preventive care — including routine exams and annual physicals

2. Hospital and emergency care

3. Prescription drugs

4. Outpatient surgery

5. Specialist care

Because PPOs offer more flexible coverage, they are more expensive than HMOs.

But PPO plans still have affordable monthly premiums and low copayments. Most PPO plans are available with several deductibles, so you can choose one that fits your budget. PPO deductibles typically range from $250 to $5,000.

Many people choose a PPO if they prefer specific doctors or other health care professionals that don’t participate in more restricted HMO networks.