The following definitions are provided to help you understand terms we regularly use in our seminars, correspondence, and publications. These definitions are general, not technical, in nature. For detailed definitions, please see the Illinois Pension Code, Article 16.

H

HMO, health maintenance organization

An HMO is a managed care plan offered within the Teachers’ Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) . HMOs are prepaid health plans that provide medical benefits including prescription drugs. HMOs operate on an "in-network" structure where participants select a primary care physician (PCP) from the plan's network of participating providers. When care is coordinated through the PCP, the participant pays only a predetermined co-payment. The PCP directs all health care services for the participant, including visits to specialists and hospitalizations.