If you go HMO, you must first check that the closest hospital is in the network and that there are enough doctors (primary care plus the specialists you need such as psychiatrists and therapists in the plans networks--and the networks can change from year to year).

With a PPO, you can go to anyone but you still have to check to see if your hospital and doctors are in the network. When you go to someone out of network, the deductible and copays are much higher; so, if you are on a budget, it is always wise to do you homework before signing up for a plan.

The best way to see if the local hospital and your doctors take your plan's insurance is to call their office and ask. There are some plans out there with very small networks or networks on the other side of your town.