Unlike HMO plans, PPO plan members MOST often

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are two common types of managed care plans in health insurance. According to standard insurance study materials for the Oklahoma Life, Accident, and Health or Sickness Producer exam, a key distinction between PPOs and HMOs lies in the flexibility of provider choice. PPOs allow members to choose from a broader network of doctors and medical service providers, both in-network and out-of-network, without requiring a referral from a primary care physician. HMOs, in contrast, typically restrict members to in-network providers and require a designated primary care physician to coordinate care.

Option A: Incorrect. PPO plans often provide coverage for out-of-state medical services, especially within their network or through out-of-network benefits, though at potentially higher costs. This is not a defining characteristic compared to HMOs.

Option B: Correct. PPOs are known for offering more choices of doctors and medical service providers, as they do not mandate a primary care physician or referrals for specialists, unlike HMOs.

Option C: Incorrect. HMOs require members to designate a primary care physician, while PPOs do not.

Option D: Incorrect. While PPOs offer flexibility, the ability to see a physician on a walk-in basis is not a standard feature distinguishing them from HMOs, as both may vary in appointment requirements.

This aligns with the Prometric exam content outline under “Health Providers and Products,” which emphasizes understanding differences between health insurance plans like HMOs and PPOs.