scbagrrrl

Dana -
It varies somewhat from plan to plan - but generally HMO's are generally the most restrictive in regard to having to jump through hoops for care. PPO's are similar to an HMO, but your care is managed by a General Practioner - so he/she decides if you need tests or to see a specialist. EPO's are typically least restrictive. What they covers vary from state to state and plan to plan - so read up.

If you're healthy and no problems that require special care, then it's a lot less of an issue. If you have a lot of medical problems like I do, it can be a nightmare trying to navigate the system. I've actually turned down a job because they only offered HMO coverage. I'd gladly pay more each month not to have to fight to get meds and care that I need...

You might check with other friends/family members to see if they have insurance with that carrier and how they feel about it. (Even if they have the same carrier - what they cover/don't cover can vary by employer) But - you can get a general idea of how easy they are to work with and customer satisfaction.

ALSO, you might want to check with your state's insurance commissioner's website - or call them - ask if they have a list of complaints/ratings on the different plans. (ie - in my state of GA, Cigna has a horrible reputation for handling claims and has been fined significantly for it's customer service...)

Bottom line, read the fine print. It's a pain in the butt, but it's important to decide what's right for you.