![Health care working arriving at patient's home for a home health visit](https://images.ctfassets.net/pxcfulgsd9e2/6h5tdEkf5l01NArxDhjSrl/3fdc0a2c7637ddce272e27a11ab33268/Rural_Health_Discharge_Program_HN3727_iStock_1387432869_Sized.jpg?f=top&fit=fill&fl=progressive&fm=jpg&h=786&q=85&w=1396)
Bringing patient care to the doorsteps of rural communities
For patients needing follow-up care in distant communities, the Rural Health Discharge Program brings caregivers to their homes.
If you have a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, you’ve likely been told to get care within your network. It’s good advice — staying in-network can help you to save time and money, whether you’re scheduling a yearly doctor’s visit or need to visit an urgent care center.
“An HMO is a type of health insurance that contracts with a network of physicians or medical groups and offers care at set, and often reduced, costs,” explains Don Truong, director of sales at Sharp Health Plan. “HMO plans require members to get care within their network of providers, hospitals and facilities. Otherwise, services aren't covered.”
While exceptions are made for emergencies, for the best experience, and to make the most of your health plan’s HMO benefits, you’ll want to find providers and facilities in your network. If you’re unsure which providers or facilities are in your network, it’s a good idea to check with your health plan before getting care. This will help you avoid any unnecessary costs for accessing care out of your network.
“One of the great things about Sharp Health Plan’s HMO product offerings is that we offer direct access to a wide range of award-winning providers and facilities as part of Sharp HealthCare’s integrated delivery system,” says Truong. “We even offer HMO plans as low as $0 a month for eligible individuals and families through Covered California™.”
Regardless of who you’re insured through, here’s Troung’s top tips for getting care in your network.
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