What is an HMO?

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. With an HMO plan, you must choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from a network of local healthcare providers who will refer you to in-network specialists or hospitals when necessary. All your care is coordinated through that PCP.

For example, if you suffer from back pain, you would first visit your PCP. If they can’t help you, they will provide you with a referral to a trusted, in-network specialist who can. An important thing to keep in mind about HMO plans is that they generally won't cover out-of-network care except in a true emergency.