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