What is a PPO network and how does it benefit me?

A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) network gives you the flexibility to see any healthcare provider, but offers significant cost savings when you choose in-network providers. You do not need referrals to see specialists, and you have access to a vast network of doctors, hospitals, and healthcare facilities across Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia.

Can I keep my current doctor with these PPO networks?

Most likely, yes. Our PPO networks include over 1.3 million healthcare providers nationwide. Use the Find Your Doctor links on each network card above to verify if your current physician is in-network. We also verify your doctor's network status during your consultation so you feel confident before you enroll.

Why work with a multi-carrier broker instead of a single carrier agent?

As a multi-carrier broker, I compare 15+ A-rated carriers across Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, Texas, and Georgia. You see every competitive option in one consultation without pressure from a single insurer, and you receive unbiased guidance tailored to your household's priorities.

Do I pay extra fees for broker services?

No, my services are completely free to you. I'm compensated directly by the insurance carriers when you enroll, so there are no broker fees, enrollment fees, or service charges. You pay the same premium whether you buy direct from the carrier or work with me - but with me, you get ongoing support, multiple carrier access, and advocacy at no additional cost.

What's the difference between working with a broker vs. buying direct from insurance companies?

When you work with me as your broker, you get access to multiple carriers and can compare options side-by-side without bias. Insurance companies only show you their products. I provide ongoing support for claims, renewals, and changes at no extra cost - my compensation comes from the carriers, not your pocket. Plus, with my Best Insurance Group partnership, I often have access to exclusive plans and faster underwriting that aren't available to the public.

How do you ensure I get the best rate available?

I have access to 15+ A-rated carriers through my Best Insurance Group partnership, which means I can compare rates across the entire market, not just one company. I also verify subsidy eligibility for ACA plans and check for any available discounts or wellness program benefits. My 8 years of experience helps me identify the best value - sometimes the lowest premium isn't actually the best deal when you factor in deductibles, networks, and coverage.

I'm in Florida - which PPO networks have the best hospital coverage in my area?

Florida has excellent PPO network depth. In South Florida (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale), UnitedHealthcare and Aetna dominate with comprehensive hospital networks including Baptist Health, Memorial Healthcare, and Cleveland Clinic Florida. In Central Florida (Tampa/Orlando), Blue Cross Blue Shield has strong relationships with AdventHealth, BayCare, and Orlando Health systems. North Florida (Jacksonville/Tallahassee) sees strong coverage from Cigna and First Health with Mayo Clinic and UF Health access. I analyze your specific zip code and preferred hospitals to recommend the optimal network.

I'm in Texas - which carriers offer the best rates for self-employed individuals?

Texas has a competitive health insurance market with several strong options for self-employed professionals. Allstate Health typically offers the most aggressive pricing in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston for healthy applicants under 50. SGIC provides budget-friendly major medical with solid networks in San Antonio and Austin. UnitedHealthcare dominates the premium segment with the largest provider network. For those not qualifying for ACA subsidies, I'll compare private health plans that often save 40-50% versus marketplace rates. Each consultation includes a side-by-side rate comparison specific to your county and age.

How does Michigan's health insurance market differ from other states?

Michigan has unique market dynamics. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan holds the strongest provider relationships, especially with major systems like Henry Ford, Beaumont, and U of M Health. Priority Health (not available in all our states) dominates West Michigan. For Metro Detroit residents, I typically recommend UnitedHealthcare or Aetna PPO for maximum flexibility. Michigan also has strong ACA marketplace competition, so I always compare both private plans and subsidized marketplace options. Retirees under 65 should know Michigan allows COBRA continuation longer than federal requirements - I help navigate these options during our consultation.

I live in North Carolina - what should I know about Blue Cross Blue Shield's dominance here?

North Carolina has unique market dynamics where Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) historically held near-monopoly status. While competition has increased, BCBSNC still maintains the strongest relationships with major systems like Duke Health, UNC Health, Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas HealthCare), and Wake Forest Baptist. However, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna have expanded aggressively in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro with competitive pricing. For Western NC (Asheville/mountain regions), I often recommend BCBSNC for provider depth. Triangle and Charlotte residents have more carrier flexibility - I compare all options to ensure you're not overpaying for the Blue Cross name when equally strong networks exist.

How does coverage work when I travel to other states?

Most PPO networks I recommend provide nationwide coverage, which is perfect for travel. Emergency care is always covered regardless of location. For routine care while traveling, I ensure your plan includes out-of-network benefits or has reciprocal agreements with providers in other states. Since I'm licensed in FL, MI, NC, AZ, TX, and GA, I can help coordinate coverage if you're moving between these states.

What if I need to file a claim - how does that work with a broker?

This is where working with a broker really pays off. I act as your advocate throughout the claims process. While you'll still file claims directly with your insurance carrier, I help resolve any issues that arise, understand claim denials, and ensure you're getting the benefits you're entitled to. I've helped clients navigate everything from routine claim questions to complex appeals across all 6 states I serve.

Independent Insurance Broker | Compare 15+ A-Rated Carriers - 6 States

Name: Bradford Informed Guidance – Florida Insurance Office
Address: 4200 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL, 33607, US
Telephone: (689) 325-6570

Independent Broker • Best Insurance Group Partner

Bradford Informed Guidance

Independent Broker • Enterprise Resources

Licensed & Bonded in 6 States

8+ Years Experience

15+ A+ Rated Carriers

15-20 Min Free Consultations

4.9/5.0 Client Rating

500+ Families Served

98% Client Retention Rate

Industry Partner Since 2020

PREMIUM PPO NETWORKS

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Access 1.3+ million healthcare providers across 6 states through our trusted PPO network partnerships.

PPO Networks

1.3M+

Providers

States Covered

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Why Work With an Independent Broker?

Save 30-50%

Healthy applicants typically save significantly vs. unsubsidized marketplace plans

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Claims Support

Dedicated advocacy when carriers delay or deny legitimate claims

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Understanding Networks vs. Carriers

PPO Network (Who You See)

A PPO Network is the directory of doctors, hospitals, and specialists you can visit. Think of it as the "provider list." Examples: Aetna PPO, Cigna PPO, UnitedHealthcare PPO. You search these networks to verify your doctor is in-network.

Insurance Carrier (Who Pays)

An Insurance Carrier is the company that underwrites your policy, collects premiums, and pays claims. Examples: Allstate Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield. They issue your insurance card and process your medical bills.

Key Insight: Multiple insurance carriers can use the same PPO network. For example, both Allstate Health and Philadelphia American Life might offer plans using the Aetna PPO Network—but with different premiums, deductibles, and benefits.

Related Information

→ Health Insurance Plans & Coverage → My 4-Step Process → Schedule Free Consultation

Licensed Coverage Areas

Florida

ACA and PPO depth

Michigan

Major medical and Medicare solutions

North Carolina

BlueCross BlueShield and UHC strength

Arizona

Multi-carrier network diversity

Texas

Enterprise-level plans for growing families

Georgia

Regional PPO and small group solutions

Find Your Perfect Match

Showing 6 networks & 8 carriers

A (Excellent) AM Best Rated

Aetna PPO Network

Extensive nationwide PPO network with comprehensive provider access and quality healthcare facilities. Serving families nationwide with over 1.3M+ providers.

Hospital affiliations: 50,000+ nationwide

Specialist access: No referrals required

Preventive care: 100% covered in-network

Find Your Doctor→

A (Excellent) AM Best Rated

Cigna PPO Network

Comprehensive PPO network focused on wellness programs and integrated healthcare solutions. Strong coverage across licensed metro areas.

Wellness focus: Mental health and telehealth

Mental health providers: Extensive network

Telehealth options: 24/7 virtual care

Find Your Doctor→

Aetna Subsidiary Network

First Health PPO Network

Established PPO network providing reliable access to quality healthcare providers nationwide with strong local provider relationships.

Geographic coverage: Nationwide reach

Specialty care: Wide specialist network

Comprehensive provider network: Quality focused

Find Your Doctor→

See 3 more PPO networks including MultiPlan, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield

NETWORK COMPARISON

Side-by-Side PPO Network Comparison

Compare key features across all 6 PPO networks to find the best fit for your healthcare needs

Feature	Aetna PPO	Cigna PPO	First Health	MultiPlan	UHC PPO	BCBS PPO
Provider Count	1.3M+	1.1M+	950K+	1M+	1.3M+	1M+
Hospital Networks	50K+	48K+	40K+	45K+	52K+	47K+
Specialist Access
Telehealth	Available	24/7 Virtual	Available	Available	Available	Available
Best For	Comprehensive coverage	Mental health focus	Nationwide reach	Cost-effective	Largest network	Local relationships
AM Best Rating	A (Excellent)	A (Excellent)	Aetna Sub.	Independent	A+ (Superior)	A (Excellent)
FL Coverage
TX Coverage

Aetna PPO

Providers

1.3M+

Hospitals

50K+

Rating

Best For

Comprehensive coverage

Cigna PPO

Providers

1.1M+

Hospitals

48K+

Rating

Best For

Mental health focus

First Health

Providers

950K+

Hospitals

40K+

Rating

Aetna Sub.

Best For

Nationwide reach

MultiPlan

Providers

1M+

Hospitals

45K+

Rating

Independent

Best For

Cost-effective

UHC PPO

Providers

1.3M+

Hospitals

52K+

Rating

A+

Best For

Largest network

BCBS PPO

Providers

1M+

Hospitals

47K+

Rating

Best For

Local relationships

Need help choosing the right network for your doctors?

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Find Your Doctor in OurExclusive Network Partners

Why Work With an Independent Broker?

Save 30-50%

Fast Approvals

Claims Support

?Understanding Networks vs. Carriers

PPO Network (Who You See)

Insurance Carrier (Who Pays)

Related Information

Licensed Coverage Areas

Florida

Michigan

North Carolina

Arizona

Texas

Georgia