Are you looking for an affordable HMO health insurance plan? HMO plans, also known as Health Maintenance Organizations, provide policyholders with a list of doctors from which the policyholders can choose their own primary care provider, also known as a PCP. The PCP is usually a general practitioner or family doctor. Once the policyholder has chosen his PCP, he can see the PCP for general concerns, and be referred to other doctors for more specialized health care. Those policyholders with HMO plans can pay a lower monthly premium thanks to the contracts between the HMO and the medical providers. In some cases, policyholders may also be required to pay a low co-payment for services.

Before you begin your search for an affordable HMO health insurance plan, there are three agencies you should contact:

Your state's department of insurance. Your state's department of insurance will be able to tell you whether or not the insurance company from which you may purchase your HMO health insurance plan is licensed to do business in your state. If it's not, choose another health insurance company.

The Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) will be able to help you find any complaints that have been filed against the insurance company from which you may purchase your HMO health insurance plan. Knowing these complaints is essential to determine whether or not the health insurance company handles problems in a timely manner, as well as fairly and satisfactorily.

An independent research company. Independent research companies research various companies, businesses, products, etc. They are a third-part company, which means they have no personal connection with what they research; therefore, the reports are honest and accurate. An independent research company will help you find the financial rating of the insurance company from which you may purchase your HMO health insurance plan. The financial rating tells you how financially strong the health insurance company is ? or is not.