Some of the most aggressive HMO legislation is in New Jersey and Minnesota. In California, the Department of Corporations is responsible for regulating HMO's. People with grievances against a California HMO should get in contact with the health division of the Department of Corporations to have their complaints addressed. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune , however, even the most effective state legislation may not protect many Americans. Federal legislation prohibits states from regulating companies with 40 or more employees that are self-insuring.
Most plans cover similar benefits, but the differences are in the details.
Look at areas like mental health, home care, or chiropractic care, or anything that is particularly important to you. Some plans might not include your preferences. You probably want a plan that has doctors located near your home or office. But for you, convenience might also mean that it's easy to get prescriptions filled, or that evening and weekend appointments are available. You will pay all or part of the premium directly or through payroll deduction, and a visit fee, or co-payment, whenever you get care.