What is that?
California HMO

HMO is an acronym for Health Maintenance Organization is one type of group health insurance. California HMO is provided by an organized system of medical care whose services for medical needs are supplied though a network of doctors, medical personnel and facilities. All these systems work directly with the HMO who cares for its patients at their own clinics with their own doctors. Through the network of clinics every patient is required to pick on main physician and that physician will directly work with his/her medical needs.

According to a recent study it shows that 10 percent of the 1.5 million people living in California is covered by a California HMO plan. The low cost of having California HMO coverage is due to the fact that the plan is self-efficient. Not too many referrals for outside care are made because California HMO clinics have a diverse selection of doctors to treat all types of routine medical care. If a person is sick that patient can get treatment and still pay a small co-payment for each hospital or doctor visit. Some clinic out a limit of how many visits can me made each year but honestly, how many trips to the doctor can one healthy person make each year?

The reason that limitation is in place is to allow lower annual premiums and little hassle and paperwork with the insurance company. However a California HMO allows fewer choices for outside medical care because specialists are limited and more expensive which also makes choosing a primary doctor outside the network inflexible. Basically a California HMO is ideal for people who only require routine care and don’t have any unusual medical needs that will eliminate the need for seeking a specialist out of your HMO network. All emergencies are covered regardless of where they occur (even out of state and international emergencies are covered), however, any non-emergency treatments not received by your PCP (Primary Care Physician) are not covered under the HMO plan.

California HMO plans don’t cover maternity but recently started to cover a full range of diabetic supplies that adds to the benefits that come along with a California HMO plan. With a California HMO there really isn’t a need to have to go outside your network. The network has a doctor specified for each medical need and it will not cost you an arm or a leg to pay for it. HMO companies recognize the importance of health insurance is they are providing you with the most optional customized care you can find. If you already own a cow why go out and buy milk?