What type of health plan requires members to choose a primary care physician?

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans require members to select a primary care physician (PCP) to coordinate their healthcare. This model emphasizes preventative care and manages member access to specialists and services through the PCP. The PCP serves as the first point of contact for any healthcare needs, and referrals from the PCP are typically necessary to see specialists.

In an HMO, members generally need to stay within a network of providers and may have limited coverage for out-of-network care, further reinforcing the importance of establishing a relationship with a primary care physician. This structure not only helps in organizing care but also often leads to reduced overall healthcare costs through coordinated treatment and reduced duplication of services.