Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) typically give members lower out-of-pocket health care expenses but also offer less flexibility in the choice of physicians or hospitals than other health insurance plans. As a member of an HMO, you'll be required to choose a primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP will take care of most of your health care needs. Before you can see a specialist, you'll need to obtain a referral from your PCP. With an HMO, you'll likely have coverage for a broader range of preventive health care services than you would through another type of plan. You may not be required to pay a deductible before coverage starts and your copayments could be minimal.