What are the differences between the three and which is preferred?

Also, I'm in southern california does anyone have any idea what would be my best bet.

I used to be with Kaiser permenante and now it's time to renew...

Thanks so much!

Dana.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): A health plan that gives its patients lower rates if they use the physician and hospitals listed as preferred providers. Patients may also use non-participating physicians and hospitals, but must usually pay more to do so.

Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): A healthcare plan similar to a PPO that requires the use of physicians who are preferred providers. With this type of plan, there are usually no covered benefits if a patient chooses to use non-participating hospitals and physicians.
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): The term applied to an insurance plan that offers comprehensive care through a highly organized network of physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare providers. HMOs use primary care physicians to coordinate patient care, and have specific providers and hospitals which members must use. Typically, HMOs have the lowest out-of-pocket expenses of any available health plans.
for more info see website http://www.businesslife.com/how/tos/health/Managed_Care.htm