Do HMOs make a difference? Access to health care.

ABSTRACT

This analysis examines the effects of health maintenance organizations (HMOs) on access to care among the privately insured, nonelderly population. After controlling for population and location differences, HMO and non-HMO enrollees differ little in reports of unmet or delayed care needs. Yet type of insurance affects the source of access problems. HMO enrollees face lower financial barriers to care and are more likely to report a regular source of care than those enrolled in other types of insurance, but they are more likely to report access problems related to the organization of care delivery.