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I have never had major medical insurance before. What is better an HMO or a PPO?

My choices are Cigna for HMO and Blue Cross Blue Shield for PPO.

Public Comments

1. PPO - you can usually choose your own doctors with that and go out of network.
2. PPO is much better...you can choose from many different Doctor with in your network...and go outside your network, with prior approval...I got BC+BS PPO and like it!
3. I would opt for the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. With a PPO you have more choices for doctors, and you don't need so many pre-approvals for tests, etc. Personally, I'm not a fan of HMOs. I prefer to have more control over who I see.
4. never go with an hmo if you can help it. more options with ppo, like going out of network...hmo patients get treated horribly.
5. I would have to say blue cross PPO - HMO's stink
6. PPO for sure. With an HMO, you need to see a primary care physician before you are referred anywhere else... why go to 2 doctors when you only need one of them.. unless you like to wait in waiting rooms. With PPO, you can see a neurologist, an orthopedist, a cardiologist, etc without having to see your primary care physician. Just make sure you check on your premiums, co-pays, etc. PPO usually cost a little more. Also, out of Network providers (doctors/specialist that you want to see but not on your plan) on HMO plans will cost you more money! Good Luck! I have Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO. I've never had any problems.
7. Although it seems that you already have the answer, I can tell you that a PPO is always better than an HMO and BCBS is always better than CIGNA. I was the benefits officer for 1600 employees.
8. HMO's are the worst, they are managed by penny pinching idiots that have no regard for human life, only keeping costs down and profits high!
9. Your out of pocket cost will be higher with the PPO, but you will have freedom to choose your doctors and to get the care that you want, instead of just the care that your HMO wants.