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What’s the difference between a PPO and an HMO plan?
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The primary difference between a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan is the ability of the insured to choose their own providers. With a PPO plan, the insured is generally allowed to seek medical services outside of the insurer's network of providers and still receive some coverage. An HMO, on the other hand, requires the insured to select only in-network providers and usually imposes additional restrictions on accessing care.