Short answer: PPOs do cover out-of-network care, but at a higher deductible and coinsurance, and the provider can balance-bill you for charges above the plan’s allowed amount. In-network care is always cheaper.
A defining feature of a PPO is out-of-network coverage. The plan still pays a share, but you’ll face a higher out-of-network deductible and coinsurance, and the provider may balance-bill you for the difference between their charge and the plan’s allowed amount. Because of that, in-network care is always the less expensive choice. The No Surprises Act limits balance billing in certain emergency and facility situations.
Sources
HealthCare.gov, health insurance plan and network types (HMO, PPO, EPO, POS)healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plan-typesHealthCare.gov, Balance billing (provider bills the difference above the allowed amount)healthcare.gov/glossary/balance-billingCMS, No Surprises Act (limits balance billing in emergencies and certain facility situations)cms.gov/nosurprises