Considering dropping Kaiser HMO for a PPO – could use some advice

I’ve had Kaiser HDHP HMO through my employer for the last several years. Unfortunately, over the last few years, I’ve watched it get harder and harder to get care, and I’m not meeting my $3500 deductible (currently about 1/3 of the way in 2024). The premium is about $2500/yr. I have access to the non-HDHP plan also, but the cost is substantially higher.

I have access to a no-premium PPO (Tricare Select, yes I’m Group A) with a low deductible ($150). But, I’ve never had PPO in my life. I was active duty and then I’ve had Kaiser ever since.

I get the basic idea of PPO – you basically get to pick all your own docs, want to stay in network, and don’t have a PCM or need referrals. Having never done this in practice, however, I’m a little bit uncertain about it. I don’t currently have huge recurring healthcare needs, just a few prescriptions and a handful of visits a year.

I guess I’m just looking for someone to tell me why the grass isn’t greener. What pitfalls am I likely to run into? What are the downsides? What else should I know? I’d appreciate any advice, thanks!