PBC HMO

HMO 101: What Care Should You Get?

June 11, 2026

One of the more confusing aspects of the healthcare industry is knowing which type of care is the best fit for different situations. We’re reaching out to employers and their employees soon to explain the differences between preventive, primary, urgent, and emergency care.

Misdirected care can result in high, unexpected costs for employers and members. While life-threatening concerns must always be taken seriously, there are sometimes better options for acute, but less dangerous concerns. Understanding the differences between types of care can reduce the total cost for employer groups:

Wait times
Payment types
Network access
Care costs
Condition severity

We made an animated HMO 101 explainer video to help explain all of this! It also includes information about Kinwell Primary Care and virtual care options for on-the-go members.