Health insurance can be confusing for first-time buyers living in Chandler, AZ. Most insurers require you to choose between an HMO and a PPO, yet you may not understand what these terms mean or how they affect your access to medical care. San Marcos Insurance Group can help explain the differences and direct you toward a policy that meets your needs.

The Size of Your Healthcare Network

HMO is an acronym for Health Maintenance Organization, while PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. Choosing between the two isn’t complicated when you understand the differences. Both involve a network of healthcare providers. The main differences between those options are the size of the provider network, the flexibility of coverage, payments for in-network and out-of-network doctors, and monthly premium payments.

HMO plans generally have lower costs for patients. In exchange for the lower cost, you have a smaller network of providers and must stay within the network to get medical care. Most insurers also require you to select a primary care provider who can refer you to a specialist when needed. These plans only pay for care within the network except when you have an emergency.

PPO plans typically have higher monthly premiums in exchange for flexibility. You can see a provider outside the network, but co-pays are generally higher. Most don’t require you to choose a primary care provider. You can also see specialists at any time without a referral.

Which Plan is Better for Me?

An HMO may be the best option if you are on a tight budget. However, if you already have a doctor you like, you may prefer a PPO. The San Marcos Insurance Group staff serving Chandler, AZ, can help determine which health plan is best for you. Contact us today for an appointment.

Running a business from your home in Chandler, AZ can reduce overhead, let you work from home, and keep startup costs low. It’s still important to make sure your business is insured, though. Here’s a look at whether your home business should be protected by commercial insurance.

Evaluating Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage

Homeowners insurance policies sometimes provide based coverage for home-based businesses. Not all policies do, however, and coverage can be quite limited when provided. It might apply to basic equipment like a printer, computer, minimal inventory, and some liability lawsuits. 

If your business only has basic needs and you can access coverage through homeowners insurance, additional commercial insurance might not be necessary. We at San Marcos Insurance Group can help you evaluate your homeowner’s policy coverage.

The Importance of Commercial Insurance

If you can’t get adequate coverage through a homeowners policy, you should probably get commercial insurance for your home business. 

Plan on purchasing commercial insurance if your homeowner’s policy doesn’t provide any coverage, if your business has major assets, or if major liabilities come with your work. You could also need commercial insurance if your business has any particular risks, such as product risk if you sell potentially dangerous products.

Ready to Safeguard Your Home Business?

If you’re operating a business from your home in Chandler, AZ, don’t wait to find out the hard way that your insurance coverage is inadequate. Contact us at San Marcos Insurance Group, and we’ll help you ensure your business is properly covered. We can assist with adequately covered homeowners insurance and many other types of policies.