Are HMOs health insurance plans restrictive?
HMOs are usually extremely restrictive and have lots of rules that must be followed if you want them to pay. You can only see the doctors on your HMO list, and you must see your primary care doctor first, no matter what is wrong with you. If you have to go to the hospital you must have your primary doctor’s permission prior to going. Many people find that way too restricting and choose to not go with HMO’s for that very reason. When and if you need to see specialist, you must have seen your doctor first to make sure they can’t treat you instead of going to a more expensive doctor. The HMO makes sure it is their doctor who has control over all your medical needs, not you. Most doctors are excellent and will hand out referrals and most doctors these days are enrolled in HMO plans so this isn’t a problem for many people. If you are not one of the lucky ones, getting the care you need could be difficult or non-existent. HMO’s can also be a bit fussy about you wanting to change your primary
