Which of the following does NOT apply to the coverage provided by health maintenance organizations (HMOs)?

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are designed to provide a wide range of healthcare services to their members while emphasizing preventive care and cost management. One key characteristic of HMOs is their focus on providing comprehensive coverage, which generally includes features such as co-payments for specific services, requirements for primary care physician referrals for specialist consultations, and an emphasis on preventive care services.

The inclusion of co-payments is essential for members to understand their portion of the healthcare expenses when utilizing available services within the HMO network. This financial structure helps manage costs and encourage the use of preventive services. HMOs also require members to have a primary care physician (PCP) who coordinates care and makes referrals for specialized services, ensuring that all care is managed effectively.

Access to preventive care services is a cornerstone of HMO operations, as it aligns with their goal of reducing long-term healthcare costs by focusing on early intervention and wellness.

In contrast, capital expenditures for facility improvements typically do not fall under the direct coverage provisions of HMOs. Such expenditures relate to the broader operational and structural financial planning of healthcare facilities rather than the direct health benefits provided to members. Hence, this aspect of facility improvement is not applicable to the coverage provided by HMOs.