Hellobee Boards

Do you mean an EPO?

I'm not sure I can be much help, because I'm not super familiar with EPOs, but can you compare their coinsurance at all? That's what I did when deciding between my husband's company's insurance (a PPO) and my company's (not sure WHAT it is... it's a self-insured plan...), but my husband's insurance will pay 90% for almost everything maternity related, while my insurance would only pay 80%. Plus the out-of-pocket max was less with my husband's insurance, so that's how I decided. Do you have a way to compare the actual numbers?

My employer gave me a good site to compare our health plans. It asked us how frequently we went to the doctor, how many prescriptions we have. Our age and asked us if we had any serious health issues. Oh, whether or not you will stay in-network or go out-of-network.

My husband does have some health issues so it was beneficial for us to get the EPO plan but we have to use in-network doctors.

I heard PPO is good if you want the option of going out-of-network.

Between the 3 plans that my company offered. The cheapest one was about $1,000 less than the others in terms of out of pocket expense. That's the one we chose.

Oh, none of the plans my company offered need referrals.

I would check with your HR department to see what is offered in your plans.

I have an HMO and decided to stick with that because I thought that I would be able to continue seeing my OBGYN after I got pregnant. Turns out she only takes PPO for OB services. So I had to get a new Dr. HMO is cheaper $40 for all prenatal visits and ultrasounds and then $500 a each day I stay at the horpital after delivery. Totaling $1540. As soon as I can though, I plan on switch to PPO just for flexibility purposes and also so I can deliver at a closer hospital that only accepts PPO.