HMO Enrollees Experience Fewer Disparities than Other Insured Populations

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People enrolled in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) experience fewer disparities than patients insured through traditional indemnity plans, at least for education factors, according to new findings at the University of Rochester. Kevin Fiscella, M.D., and colleagues found that health care utilization rates were roughly similar among HMO enrollees, regardless of their level of education. HMO membership had no appreciable effects on income or racial/ethnic-related disparities in health utilization; disparities for these groups were comparable to non-HMO insurance.