• An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan typically requires you to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals from your PCP to see specialists.

• A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan offers more flexibility, allowing you to see any healthcare provider without referrals. You can also see specialists outside of your network, though it may cost more.

• The key difference is in network restrictions and cost-sharing. HMOs tend to have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs but require you to stay within the network, while PPOs offer greater flexibility but may have higher costs.

To find out if a specific doctor or hospital is in-network, you can:

• Visit our website and use our provider directory or search tool.

• Contact our customer service team, and they can assist you in finding in-network providers in your area.

• Check with the doctor's office or hospital directly and provide them with your insurance information. They can verify your coverage and network status.

• A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible, you will need to pay the first $1,000 of covered medical expenses.

• After you meet your deductible, your insurance plan typically covers a percentage of your medical costs, while you pay a co-insurance or co-payment.

• It's important to note that not all services may count toward your deductible, so it's essential to review your plan's details and benefits to understand how the deductible works in your specific policy.