Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is a type of health insurance plan that provides a network of doctors and hospitals for its members to use. In an HMO, members typically choose a primary care physician who manages their healthcare and refers them to specialists when needed. HMO plans usually require members to seek care within the network to get the most coverage, which helps keep costs down. While they can be more affordable, HMO members may have less flexibility compared to other insurance types, as they need to follow specific guidelines for receiving care.