Even though the HMO is the health care plan that most people have because it is the one offered by their employer, many people either overlook or do not consider the HMO's big brother, the PPO.

The PPO offers much more freedom to a policyholder than does an HMO, and aside from slightly higher premiums, the services of a PPO are much more straightforward and basically outstrip an HMO in all respects.

Employees should consider a PPO as a gap policy, to cover anything that an HMO does not, and to cover their family if their employer policy does not. It is simply much easier to go to doctors that you wish to go to and see specialists at any time with a PPO.

If you are employed you can get your HMO through your employer. You can also get an HMO if you are not employed, however it will cost you more since an HMO is a shared cost among many people in the company.

Anyone who can afford the payments can apply for HMO insurance. Many people can apply for HMO insurance through their employer. People can even get HMO insurance themselves and be self-insured.

Health insurance. HMO = Health Maintenance Organization.

The direct contract model HMO is similar to an IPA except the HMO contracts directly with the individual physicians. The HMO recruits a variety of community healthcare providers, including PCPs and specialists.