For example, drug coverage varies significantly from plan to plan, and this can be a big expense that you will be expected to pay. Most HMOs come with a point-of service option that allows you to go outside their network of doctors. Choice of doctor is for many consumers the most important factor when choosing a health plan. If you have found a doctor that you wish to keep seeing, it may be unwise to sign up for a plan that does not have an agreement with your provider. Otherwise, ask yourself whether the doctors on a particular HMO have offices located conveniently for you, and look to see if the doctors are accepting new patients.
Many health plans have information on doctors and their availability on the web.
If you see a specialist regularly, check to see if your choice of primary care doctor will prevent you from continuing your relationship with that specialist. Switching specialists can be disruptive if you have a chronic condition or complex medical history. OPIC surveyed over 10,000 members across the state concerning their personal experiences with their health plans. What we see is that statewide, most respondents are happy with their personal doctors. On average, only 47 percent of respondents said that they always got care without long waits.