EPO vs PPO

[schizer]

Start my new job on Aug 30th and need to choose which health insurance I want.  What the hell is the difference, I cant seem to find an info about which is better

[SunKing]

EPO is a HMO with PPO privlages. Meaning normally in a HMO you are assigned a Primary Care Physician. Some areas don't have enough enough Dr.'s for you to have one assigned. So... EPO allows you to have the HMO plan/benefits but the freedom to choose any participating Physican like a PPO plan would. EPO costs will be alot smaller than PPO. PPO you have deducatbles ,ect.. EPO will just have co-pays as a HMO would. I suggest the EPO plan.

[schizer]

Here is an explanation from my employers website, still confused

CIGNA PPO Plan with Network Preferred Providers (Traditional Plan available in areas without networks)
• Deductible: $300 Individual; $600 Family ($400 Individual; $800 Family if out of network)
• $ 15 Co-pay for routine doctors
• CIGNA EPO Plan with Network Preferred Providers (No coverage out of network)
• Deductible: $250 Individual; $500 Family
• $10 Co-pay for routine doctors
• Co-insurance: $1,000 Individual; $2,000 Family
• Three Tier Plan with $10, $15, or $25 (depending on drug) Co-pay for Prescription Drugs for all plans
• Vision coverage included with medical coverage in all plans
• $300 Wellness Allowance (in-network) per year for preventative care services (annual physicals, well baby visits, etc) in all plans
• Low Employee Contributions--*** pays the majority of health insurance cost.
• Employees are eligible to participate in the medical plan the first day following 30 days of full-time employment.