Network
The doctors, hospitals and pharmacies your plan has contracted with to provide care at agreed rates.
In plain English
It is the plan's list of preferred places to get care.
Why it matters when choosing a plan
If your doctors are not in a plan's network, you may pay much more or have no coverage for their care.
Related terms
In-network
Understanding the term in-network is the most critical step in managing your healthcare costs within the United States. When a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy is in-network , it means they have a formal contract with your insurance provider to offer services at pre-negotiated, discounted rates.
Out-of-network
Understanding how health insurance works is the first step toward managing your medical costs effectively. A central concept in this process is the distinction between providers who participate in your insurance plan's network and those who do not.
HMO
Choosing the right health insurance plan is one of the most important financial and medical decisions you will make. Among the various options available in the United States, the HMO , or Health Maintenance Organization, remains one of the most popular choices for individuals, families, and employers.
PPO
Finding the right balance between cost and flexibility is a core challenge when choosing health insurance. A PPO , or Preferred Provider Organization, is a type of health plan that offers a significant amount of freedom in how you access medical care.
Related guides and articles
The complete guide to choosing a health insurance plan
Choosing health insurance can feel overwhelming. There are unfamiliar terms, dozens of plans, and real money at stake.
How to review your health plan before renewal
Every year your health plan comes up for renewal. It's tempting to let it roll over — but plans change every year, sometimes in ways that cost you.
HMO vs PPO vs EPO: how to choose without the jargon
HMO, PPO, EPO — the letters can make choosing a plan feel like an alphabet test. The good news is that they're describing just one thing: how the plan's network of doctors and hospitals works.