PPO vs HMO: Which One Is Better for the Self-Employed?
PPO vs HMO: Which One Is Better for the Self-Employed? If you're self-employed, choosing a health insurance plan can feel overwhelming. Two of the most common options — PPO and HMO — offer very different benefits. Let’s break down the differences and help you decide which one fits your freelance lifestyle in 2025. 🩺 What’s the Difference Between PPO and HMO? Feature PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) Network Flexibility See any doctor, in or out of network Must use network providers only Referrals Not required to see specialists Required from primary care physician Premiums Higher Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs Lower flexibility = more cost Better for routine care 🎯 Pros & Cons for Self-Employed Workers ✅ PPO Pros Freedom to choose any provider Easier access to specialists No referrals required ❌ PPO Cons Higher monthly premiums Higher deduct...