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An HMO, Health Maintenance Organization, is a specific type of health care plan found in the United States. Unlike traditional health coverage, an HMO sets out guidelines under which doctors can operate. On average, health care coverage through the use of an HMO costs less than comparable traditional health insurance.The ways in which an HMO is able to offer cheaper health care are twofold. First, by contracting with specific providers of health care and dealing with large quantities of patients, the HMO is able to negotiate for more affordable health care than the patients would otherwise receive.

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Emergency visits are exempt from this referral limitation, of course, and in many cases women are able to choose an OB/GYN as well. An HMO member must receive the primary care physician's referral before seeing a specialist within the HMO network of providers. The HMO's network of primary doctors, specialists and hospitals depends on the specific plan and can vary quite a bit. A drawback of HMO plans is that medical expenses incurred outside the network of providers will not be covered by the HMO plan.