Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) provide consumers with flexibility. With a PPO plan, patients don't need a primary-care physician, in-network and many out-of-network health-care services are covered, and referrals are often not required to see a specialist. Historically, many have chosen PPOs over rival plan types, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and exclusive provider organizations (EPOs).
Unfortunately for millions of Americans, PPOs are being driven out of the Obamacare marketplace. According to a report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, only 33 percent of the "790 unique PPO plans offered in 48 states by 93 different carriers" in 2015 are still available to consumers in 2016. RWJF says 28 percent of the plans were dropped and 39 percent were reduced.
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