How to Understand HMO Health Insurance

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. It was started to help people keep their health costs to a minimum. Going to the doctor's office when under an HMO health insurance plan allows you to pay a co-pay rather than the full amount of the doctor's bill. The following will help you understand HMO health insurance.

Instructions

• 1

  Find an HMO plan. Your employer may offer you one, but if they don't you will need to subscribe to one on your own. Aetna US Healthcare is one of the better known. There is a link in the Resource section you can use to get a quote on HMO health insurance. You will also find a link to different HMO providers.

• 2

  Pay any premium you may have. If you are subscribing through your employer, it will probably not be a large amount and it can usually be deducted from your paycheck, but if you have to get it on your own it can cost quite a bit.

• 3

  Choose a doctor. Under the HMO plans, you need to pick a primary doctor who will then coordinate all your health needs. This should be someone who you are comfortable with. You can change doctors as many times as necessary, so you don't have to worry if you don't like the first doctor you pick.

• 4

  See your doctor. When you make an appointment with your doctor, you won't have to worry about the amount he charges. You will receive a HMO card and it will tell you the amount that you have to pay to your doctor. Your will also have a co-pay for specialists, x-rays and emergency room trips.

• 5

  Choose a specialist. Although your primary doctor will give you referrals to specialists, you may pick your own, if they are participating in the HMO, or use the one that your doctor recommends.