A health plan that contracts with a network of providers, such as hospitals and physicians, to create a network of participating providers. Individuals will have defined financial responsibility if they access an in- network provider. You pay less if you use providers that belong to the health plan’s network. Some PPO health plans may allow an individual to access covered services from out-of-network providers but such services would be at a reduced benefit level and at a higher cost You can use doctors, hospitals, and providers outside of the network for an additional cost.