If a member obtains preventive care from out-of-network providers, who is responsible for the costs?

When a member seeks preventive care from out-of-network providers in an HMO plan, they are typically responsible for the costs. HMO plans are structured to offer lower costs when members use in-network providers. Out-of-network care is usually not covered, meaning that any expenses incurred from receiving treatment outside of the approved network fall to the member.

This is a key aspect of how HMO plans function; they emphasize using a network of providers to manage costs effectively. Members are expected to be aware of the provider network associated with their plan and utilize those services to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Thus, if preventive care is sought from a provider that is not in the plan's network, the financial burden shifts entirely to the member, reinforcing the importance of understanding in-network and out-of-network benefits.