Sample Informative Speech Outline
PPO or HDHP? How to Choose a Health Plan
General Purpose: To inform
Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about how to choose between a preferred
provider organization (PPO) plan and high deductible health plan (HDHP).
Central Idea: When deciding on a medical plan, consider the differences between a
preferred provider organization (PPO) and high deductible health plan (HDHP) and choose
the plan that best meets your needs.
INTRODUCTION
I. Attention Material
A. Is it a common cold? The flu? Or something more severe? Do I need to go to the doctor?
These are questions that might go through your head whenever you get sick.
B. I find myself getting sick a few times a year and one thing that makes it easier for me is
having good health insurance.
1. Three years ago, I pinched a nerve in my neck and was faced with many hospital visits
and even a major surgery.
2. As a result, I became obsessed with understanding health insurance options to find
what works best for me.
C. Based on my class survey, 15 percent of the students here receive coverage under the
university plan.
1. This is consistent with the national average according to the American College Health
Association (2019).
2. Sixty-five percent of you have coverage under your parents’ plan, and the rest—20
percent—are employed full-time and have a plan of your own.
D. Matthew Frankel, writer for USA Today, mentions in his May 2018 article that the
average American spends $4,612 in health care–related expenses per year including health
insurance, medical services, and prescription drugs.
II. Orienting Material
A. This is a potentially large investment, so getting the most out of your health care is
important not only for your personal well-being but also your financial security.
B. In our time together today, I want to tell you more about two major health insurance
plans, the PPO and the HDHP, so that you can choose the one that’s right for you.
(Transition: First, I will provide brief descriptions of each plan and then move into the
similarities and differences between them.)
BODY
I. Let us start with a brief definition of a PPO and an HDHP.
A. A PPO plan is referred to as a preferred provider organization plan.
1. According to health insurance provider Humana (n.d.), it is also known as a health
maintenance organization.
2. In general, a PPO plan provides a network of health care providers you may choose
from.
3. [Link] says health care providers in this network will offer medical care at a
negotiated rate determined by the provider and insurance company (Dixon, 2019).
4. That means you will pay a monthly premium for the insurance, but also co-pays at each
visit.
B. An HDHP is referred to as a high deductible health plan.
1. This plan also allows you to choose from a network of providers who will offer
negotiated rates, lower than paying out of pocket.
2. The monthly fee is much lower than a PPO’s, and rather than co-pays, you will pay out of
pocket until you reach a certain dollar amount.
II. Similarities between a PPO and an HDHP.
A. In both plans, you will work with local medical providers that are considered in-network.
B. As a patient, you may elect out-of-network providers if you are willing to pay extra costs.
C. Both plans cover preventive services at full cost.
1. [Link] says these services may include routine physicals, screenings,
immunizations, and more (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d.).
D. BlueCross BlueShield says plans also cover discounts for health programs and provide
access to online tools for healthier decisions.
E. Each plan has an option for saving money for medical expenses with tax benefits.
III. Differences between a PPO and an HDHP.
A. Cost is often the determining factor.
1. PPO: lower deductibles, co-pays, higher monthly premiums.
2. HDHP: higher deductibles, few or no co-pays, lower monthly premiums.
3. Premiums vary by negotiations and whether it’s an individual or family plan.
B. Deductibles.
1. PPO: typical deductibles may range from $500–$1,000 or more and co-pays $5–$50
(Fay, n.d.).
2. PPOs have separate deductibles for in-network and out-of-network.
3. HDHP: IRS says minimum deductible in 2018 was $1,350 (single) and $2,700 (family),
though many are higher.
4. Usually no co-pays until deductible is met.
C. Savings accounts.
1. PPO has FSA (Flexible Spending Account).
2. HDHP has HSA (Health Savings Account).
3. These accounts allow you to save pre-tax money for medical expenses (U.S. Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services, n.d.).
4. Expenses may include co-pays, prescriptions, dental work, etc.
5. IRS Publication 502 lists all covered expenses.
IV. Choosing the right plan.
A. Three questions to ask:
1. Am I willing to plan for possible health care costs?
a. If yes → HDHP may save money.
b. If no → PPO with higher premium may be better.
2. Am I relatively healthy and visit the doctor rarely?
a. Preventive care is free under both.
b. If healthy → HDHP may be preferable.
3. Do I have a chronic condition requiring continual care?
a. HDHP may suit younger, healthier people (Dixon, 2019).
b. PPO may suit people with ongoing medical needs.
B. Regardless of which plan you choose, review your medical needs and costs annually
(Dixon, 2019).
C. Organizations like MVP Health Care provide calculators to compare costs.
CONCLUSION
I. Summary
A. The two plans discussed are PPO and HDHP.
B. Both are similar, but differ significantly in cost.
II. Clincher
A. Choose carefully to select the best plan for your needs.
B. Remember, health insurance impacts both your finances and well-being.