Copyright 2008 The Insurance Files
     HMO, or Health Maintenance Organization, health insurance is a very popular form of managed care health insurance that is known for its simple low cost format. A traditional HMO will provide the policyholder with a network of doctors and care facilities to choose from. The choices are sometimes limited and may not include your preferred location or doctor, but that is the key to keeping the cost low. The great feature of HMOs is the low cost with no sacrifice to coverage. The insured member can use the insurance for checkups, emergency room, hospital stay, surgeries, labwork, etc. With most HMOs, you would go to your primary doctor first, and then if a specialist is needed then they will arrange the appointment for you. Some view this as a downside, but the less work, the better. In terms of cost, HMO

plans are usually priced lower than indemnity plans and PPO plans. Also, when you are insured by an HMO, there is very little required to go to your doctor, all you have to do is show the insurance card. Because of the reduced cost of coverage, the choices for prescriptions, along with doctors and hospitals is limited. For the lower cost, the sacrifice is worth it. If you insist on a specific doctor, there are HMO plans with indemnity plans built in. You may pay a little more, but you will still be covered and able to go to exactly who you choose. Usually the cost for this added feature will be your responsibility of paying anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of whatever bill is owed. Look for your HMO health insurance plan today with a free health insurance quote.