Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
An EPO, is an Exclusive Provider Organization, which is a type of health plan that offers a local network of doctors and hospitals for you to choose from. An EPO can be described as somewhat of combination of a PPO and HMO. You don’t have to select a primary care doctor, and you may see any of the providers in the EPO network, but there are no out of network benefits. If you choose to get care outside of your plan’s network, you will pay full price, there is no coverage, unless it’s an emergency. If you’re looking for lower monthly premiums, and are okay with using local doctors and hospitals, but don’t want to have to get referrals for specialists, you may want to consider an EPO plan.
