insurance

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

HMO（健康維持機構） (HMO (kenkō iji kikō))

An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) is an insurance plan type that requires members to choose a primary care provider and obtain referrals to see specialists. HMOs typically only cover care from in-network providers except in emergencies. They usually have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to PPO plans, but less flexibility in provider choice. Members must use HMO-designated facilities for non-emergency care to have costs covered. HMOs emphasize coordinated, preventive care.

HMOs are well-suited for people with predictable health needs who prefer lower monthly costs and do not need frequent specialist access.

In 9 languages

Language	Term
English	HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
Japanese (日本語)	HMO（健康維持機構）
Chinese (中文)	健康维护组织
Korean (한국어)	건강 유지 기구
Portuguese	Organização de Manutenção de Saúde
Spanish	Organización de Mantenimiento de Salud
Filipino	HMO
Thai	องค์กรบำรุงรักษาสุขภาพ
Vietnamese	Tổ chức duy trì sức khỏe
Romanization	HMO (kenkō iji kikō)

Related terms

• Referral 紹介状
• Primary Care Provider (PCP) かかりつけ医（プライマリケアプロバイダー）
• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) PPO（優先医療機関組織）
• EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) EPO（専属医療機関組織）

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