Florida medical insurance
comes in various packages and one of them is the health maintenance
organization, or HMO. It has been a popular option in the Sunshine State; at
one time, Florida held the distinction of having the fourth largest number of
HMOs in any one state. Call now for a free quote today at 1-800-554-9142!
FLORIDA MEDICAL INSURANCE QUOTES
Its popularity fell sharply over the last decade, however, the decline finally halting in 2009 when the economy faltered and more citizens moved into Medicare and Medicaid HMOs. That year enrollment in all HMO practices totaled 3.6 million people, still far below the high of 5 million members in 1999.
A major appeal of the health maintenance organization is cost. It usually is the least expensive option for health care services. With the health care industry in flux as the federal health insurance program is simultaneously implemented and challenged in the courts, the comparative value of Florida medical insurance options is a moving target. If the federal law stands, the cost of membership in less efficient HMOs could rise as penalties kick in.
Another feature of health maintenance organizations is that they encourage preventive care. They are supportive of regular check-ups and health screenings and other instruments by which physicians can detect anomalies early on before they develop into major--and costly--health issues. An HMO is not the only health care model that favors preventive medicine, of course, but it is one of them.
Yet another positive about HMOs is that they operate with a minimum of administrative overhead. Because members are all within “the system,” claims are handled without a lot of introductory paperwork. By the same token, record-keeping of health providers is more easily accomplished.
HMOs work this way: A monthly premium gives a member access to a network of health care providers. This closed network system is the HMO’s strength: A member has ready access to primary and special care physicians at reduced rates without the hassle of trying to locate physicians who are taking new patients.
On the other hand, members are required to use the network of health care professionals. Straying outside a network means extra cost to a patient, which negates much of the HMO benefit.
FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Florida health insurance will continue to offer residents quality care in several different forms, including the health maintenance organization, but the character of the industry could change considerably according to the outcome of the federal health care debate.
