Which of the following best describes the payment structure of HMOs?

The payment structure of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) is characterized by a fixed, prepaid monthly premium that members pay to gain access to a range of healthcare services. This monthly fee is designed to cover basic health services, encouraging preventive care and routine check-ups. This structure allows for predictable costs, making it easier for individuals to budget for their healthcare expenses.

In an HMO, members usually do not have to pay per visit or deal with high deductibles like those found in other insurance plan types. Instead, they usually have lower out-of-pocket expenses compared to traditional insurance because care is provided through a network of doctors and hospitals. The goal of an HMO is to maintain health through preventive care, and members are incentivized to use in-network providers, which helps control overall healthcare costs while ensuring members have access to necessary services.