HMOs

PPOs

Best for people who:
• Need to keep out-of-pocket costs low
• Want fewer billing hassles
• Can be flexible about the providers used

Downsides:
• Some trouble getting care, especially in   lower-rated HMOs
• Plan approval generally needed for
  outside specialists
• Longer waits to get needed care

Cost:
• Average family deductible: $80
• Most common co-pay: $15
• Average family premium in 2004: $2,674

Cost data from the Kaiser Family Foundation 2004 Employer Health Benefits survey.

Best for people who:
• Want the ability to choose any doctor
• Have chronic back pain

Downsides:
• Triple the number of billing problems   compared with those in HMOs
• More trouble contacting the plan

Cost:
• Average deductible for single person in   network: $287; out-of-network: $558
• Most common co-insurance rate: for   preferred provider, 20 or 25 percent;
  nonpreferred provider, 30 percent
• Most common co-pay: $15
• Average family premium in 2004: $2,691