Final answer:
The difference between HMO and PPO is that an HMO requires individuals to get health services within their network, while a PPO allows seeing non-preferred providers at an extra cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is c. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) requires the insured individual to go to a provider within their organization for health care services, while a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) allows the insured individual the option to receive care from a non-preferred provider at a higher cost. This means that under an HMO plan, patients have a limited choice of doctors and hospitals, and typically, you must choose a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates all your health services. In contrast, PPO plans offer more flexibility and a broader network, allowing you to see specialists without a referral and to visit providers outside of the network, though this may involve additional costs. Both plans typically involve premiums, co-pays, or deductibles, and aren't defined by who pays for them, whether it's the individual or the employer.