Rant: I finally switched from an HMO to a PPO and now I get why people pay more

After three years of referrals and waiting weeks for specialist visits with my HMO (like the time I needed a dermatologist for a weird rash), I switched to a PPO last month and saw a dermatologist in 3 days. The premium difference is about $80 more per month, but honestly the time saved is worth it for me. Has anyone else found that paying more upfront actually saves you money in the long run?

3 comments

3 Comments

hernandez.gavin11h ago

and honestly, the hidden cost people don't talk about with HMOs is how much time you lose coordinating your own care, lol. like i had a buddy who needed an MRI and his HMO took a month to approve it, then another two weeks to book the appointment at a specific place 45 minutes away. with a PPO i just called the imaging center down the street the next day and had my scan three hours later. yeah the premium stings a bit but factoring in your hourly wage or just your own free time, that $80 a month basically pays for itself if you ever need anything semi-urgent. plus you avoid that whole anxiety spiral of waiting for the phone to ring while your rash gets worse or whatever, lmao.

miaprice10h ago

dont forget the mental load of constantly checking if something's in network too, thats worth something

aaronroberts2h ago

Honestly, how long did it take for you to feel like the extra $80 was actually saving you money? For me it was the first time I needed a same-week appointment for a sinus infection and didn't have to beg my PCP for a referral. My copay for urgent care was also way lower than expected, so the math worked out faster than I thought.