HMO

noun

ˌāch-(ˌ)em-ˈō 

: an organization that provides comprehensive health care to voluntarily enrolled individuals and families in a particular geographic area by member physicians with limited referral to outside specialists and that is financed by fixed periodic payments determined in advance

called also health maintenance organization

Examples of HMO in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The contract extension covers about 100 patients in Cigna HMO plans in the Sacramento area, and potentially a few thousand patients covered by PPO plans, but the hospital system did not provide exact numbers. — Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026

That is where, as Group Health, the idea of a cooperative, nonprofit HMO became concrete in 1957. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026

The proposal offered a $2,000 ratification bonus and caps on HMO premium increases that UC said could save members up to $3,000 each year on healthcare costs. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026

All 12 of its freestanding ERs, including the one in Plantation, and its over 100 HCA Florida physician offices also accept the insurance, including Medicare Advantage, HMO and ACA plans associated with Florida Blue. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

HMO

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)chem-ˈō 

plural HMOs

: an organization that provides comprehensive health care to voluntarily enrolled individuals and families in a particular geographic area by member physicians with limited referral to outside specialists and that is financed by fixed periodic payments determined in advance

called also health maintenance organization

compare ppo