| Are you looking for convenient access to health | | | | Often times, you will pay a higher premium with |
| care? If so, consider the many choices offered | | | | family HMO plans. The reason for this is that the |
| through family Health Maintenance Organization | | | | amount you pay is normally lower than with other |
| (HMO) plans. With HMO's you normally do not | | | | insurance programs. Based upon the type of |
| have to pay a deductible if you visit a health care | | | | services you select and the plan you choose |
| provider that participates within the HMO network. | | | | determine the amount of your copayment. You |
| The co-pays are relatively small and the service | | | | may pay up to $25 for your PCP (or lower) and |
| varied. | | | | up to $300 for hospitalization. Therefore, look |
| How does an HMO plan work? | | | | carefully at the plans and choose one that fits |
| One of the many benefits of an HMO plan is that | | | | within the needs of your family. |
| the out-of-pocket expenses that you incur are | | | | There are some HMO plans that have a deductible |
| limited to a fixed dollar amount as long as the | | | | and this usually pertains to prescription drug care. |
| medical care you receive is within the HMO | | | | Other plans do not due to the agreed upon |
| network. With an HMO, you are required to select | | | | contract for your out-of-pocket expenses |
| a Primary Care Provider (PCP) from within the | | | | regarding health care services. |
| HMO network. This medical professional will be the | | | | What are the benefits and drawbacks of family |
| first contact for all your medical needs. If you | | | | HMO plans? |
| were to require further medical treatment, your | | | | With an HMO plan, you can choose to open a |
| PCP will complete a referral so that you can see a | | | | Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This type of |
| specialist to further aide in your health care. The | | | | account allows you to set aside money for |
| type of care covered with family HMO plans | | | | copayments, prescription drug therapy, along with |
| include: * Physician and outpatient care * Hospital | | | | other items that are part of an approved list - |
| care * Behavioral health services * Emergency | | | | tax free. When choosing an HMO plan it is |
| services * Other services such as medical | | | | important to find a medical professional that is on |
| equipment, home health visits, etc | | | | the approved list that also meets the needs you |
| You will find the detail of coverage provided in the | | | | have for your family. HMO plans normally only |
| packet of information you receive from your | | | | cover those doctors and or services that are |
| provider of health insurance. | | | | within their network, unless of course you |
| What type of premium and copayments can you | | | | encounter an emergency. Your PCP is the hub |
| expect with an HMO plan? | | | | around all other necessary medical services. |