What is the primary function of an HMO as a health insurance plan?

• A. Provide care through a defined network with a primary care physician acting as a gatekeeper and requiring referrals for most specialty services, typically with lower premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs.
• B. Allow care from any provider with no gatekeeping and no referrals required.
• C. Offer the highest flexibility with full out-of-network coverage but higher deductibles.
• D. Operate as a fee-for-service plan paying providers for each service regardless of network.

Answer: (A)