What is a PPO?

• A. A plan with limited network and low premiums
• B. A plan with no referrals required
• C. The richest plan type, most freedom, large network, higher premium
• D. A plan that requires referrals for all services

Answer: (C)

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) is a health plan that emphasizes choice and flexibility. You can see any doctor, in or out of the network, but you save the most by staying in-network. Referrals to see specialists are generally not required, which adds to the freedom to manage your care. Because you have broad access to providers and more control over who you see, PPOs are typically described as the richest plan type with the most freedom and the largest network, though they come with higher premiums. The other statements describe more restrictive plans or miss the overall picture of what a PPO offers, such as limited network or mandatory referrals.