What is one key characteristic of an HMO plan offered by Wellcare?

A key characteristic of an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan is that members are required to select a primary care physician (PCP) who acts as a gatekeeper for accessing healthcare services. This means that members must first consult their PCP for any health issues, and if specialist care is needed, a referral from the PCP is necessary. This structure helps to manage care effectively and often leads to better coordination among various healthcare providers within the network.

In an HMO plan like those offered by Wellcare, this referral system is integral to controlling healthcare costs and ensuring that members are receiving appropriate and necessary care through a coordinated approach. By having a PCP, members have a central point of contact for their healthcare needs, which can help improve the overall efficiency of their medical care. This characteristic distinguishes HMO plans from other types of health insurance, such as PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations), where referrals are typically not required to see specialists.