American attitudes toward health maintenance organizations

The growth of the health maintenance organization movement (HMO) in recent years is evidence of continuing interest by the American public in prepaid health care. The trustees and officers of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation believe that up-to-date knowledge about consumer attitudes helps to address issues pertinent to HMOs as a viable, alternative healthcare delivery system. It was with this idea in mind that the foundation commissioned Louis Harris and Associates to conduct a national survey of consumer attitudes and opinions about HMOs. The survey findings were published in July 1980, in a report entitled "American Attitudes Toward Health Maintenance Organizations." MGMA received permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation to reprint the introduction and summary/overview of the survey results. This information should prove to be of value to members, particularly those involved in an existing HMO or those still in the planning stages.