HMO
UK[ˌeɪtʃ em ˈəʊ]US[ˌeɪtʃ em ˈoʊ]
n
A type of health insurance plan in the United States that provides care through a network of doctors and hospitals for a fixed monthly fee.
Etymology
HMO is an initialism for "Health Maintenance Organization." The term was coined in the 1970s to describe a model of prepaid group health care. The concept itself has older roots in cooperative and industrial healthcare plans of the early 20th century. The name directly reflects its core function: maintaining member health through preventative care within a managed structure, as opposed to fee-for-service models.
Analysis
N/A
Examples
She switched to an HMO because the premiums were more affordable.
My HMO requires a referral from my primary care physician to see a specialist.
The company offers several insurance options, including a PPO and an HMO.