A health maintenance organization manages medical costs to offer less expensive health insurance rates. However, joining an HMO isn't a guaranteed way to avoid the rising costs of medical insurance in the United States. Many HMOs have high insurance premiums and, what's worse, many of their plan members are unaware of the fact that they're paying too much for their plans.

The best way to keep health insurance rates low under an HMO is to stay healthy and to abide by the terms and conditions of a health plan. Buyers should always contact their primary caregivers before seeking medical assistance except in emergency situations. Minor emergencies should be treated at urgent care facilities rather than emergency rooms and ideally at in-plan facilities. All medical costs will need to be approved by the health maintenance organization and stepping outside of the plan's restrictions can lead to heavy medical bills and denied claims, especially given the rising costs of health care across the country.

If an HMO seems to be too restrictive, if health insurance rates are too high or if claim payments are taking too long, it may be time to look for a different plan. Fortunately, it's extremely easy to compare managed health care plans online. Comparing policies can make it easier to find an appropriate policy with a relatively low rate. Buyers should use an insurance comparison tool to get a few quick quotes and then study the top plans. An ideal managed care plan should provide buyers with a direct local resource for health care and should have affordable rates including low coinsurance and an appropriate copay. Buyers can calculate their savings by comparing managed care plan options with an average year's medical bills. In some cases, the difference between two managed care plans can be significant enough to compel a buyer to choose a PPO or another type of plan that offers more options than a health maintenance organization. Of course, this will vary from one situation to the next, but comparing rates and considering a switch is the best first step to take.

Health insurance companies cannot negotiate rates, as federal law prevents insurance providers from using discriminatory pricing. As such, switching insurance providers can be the best option for many buyers. A managed care plan like an HMO can be a great way to save money and there are plenty of health maintenance organizations that offer low, affordable rates. However, finding those companies takes time and patience. By looking online, health insurance buyers can spend less time looking and lock in low rates for an appropriate managed care plan in only a few minutes.