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The two main types of health insurance are PPO’s (Preferred Provider Organizations) and HMO’s (Health Maintenance Organizations.)
With a PPO, you typically have a large list of doctors to choose from. When you use a doctor on that list you will receive a significant discount on the cost of the
service. This can save you 30 – 50% or more immediately. PPO’s give you a great deal of freedom in how you receive your care. You can go directly to any specialist in the
PPO network without a referral. You also have the ability to go outside the PPO network and still have some coverage.
HMO’s typically have a smaller list of providers and you have a primary care doctor that you must see first before seeing a specialist. Most HMO’s do not
offer benefits outside the HMO network. The benefits of an HMO are lower out of pocket expenses for medical care and prescription drugs. HMO’s are most commonly used with mid to
large size groups where the employer is paying for most or all of the premium.
Health Savings Account (HSA) compatible PPO plans are a great new way to save money on your health insurance premium and income tax. This strategy combines a high deductible
PPO health plan with a special HSA bank account that allows you to save money tax free for medical, dental and vision expenses. Quite often the premium savings and tax advantages of
an HSA compatible plan will more than compensate for the higher deductible.
Regardless of which type of plan you choose, we can offer you the support and service necessary to make applying for and using your health insurance as easy as possible..
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Santa Barbara Health Insurance Services