With major and basic plans, the insured is generally the one responsible for submitting
claim forms for services rendered and following up on the submitted claims. Additionally, major and basic medical plans usually require deductibles or co-pays which add to the out-of-pocket expense of the insured. While the expenses covered by major and basic plans can vary from policy to policy, both generally allow you the freedom to choose your own physician.
HMOs, on the other hand, generally restrict the insured to a previously chosen network of healthcare providers which thereby limits the insured's choices. HMOs often require no deductibles or co-pays and generally offer fewer exclusions to coverage. Some HMOs will allow you to seek care outside of their network for nominal co-pays.