Ok… so today we’re going to talk about something that no one really wants to talk about or spend life minutes reading about until it matters. The problem? Understanding the nuances between HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) healthcare plans is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare and saving you money. In California, patients insured by Optum, United Health, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, and Anthem Blue Shield often find themselves faced with the choice between these two popular plan types.