What is the primary purpose of health maintenance organizations (HMOs)?

The primary purpose of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) is to cover all basic services for an annual premium. HMOs are structured to provide a wide range of healthcare services to their members for a fixed annual fee, emphasizing preventive care and overall health maintenance. This model is designed to control costs while ensuring that members have access to essential medical services.

HMOs typically require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates their healthcare and refers them to specialists within the network, thereby managing the overall care process effectively. This focus on comprehensive care aids in reducing out-of-pocket costs for members, as many basic services, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency care, are covered under the annual premium.

The other options, while they may pertain to certain aspects of healthcare, do not encapsulate the main mission of HMOs as accurately. For instance, while HMOs may support disease management initiatives (relating to chronic disease care), that is not their primary purpose. Instead, the goal is to provide comprehensive health coverage through a predetermined, cost-effective structure.