Enrollment in HMOs Rises at Sharp Pace

Health maintenance organizations Wednesday reported the highest-ever yearly growth in enrollment and said that their increased emphasis on patient feedback was paying off with greater client satisfaction.

More than five million Americans joined HMOs in the 10-month period ended Oct. 1, bringing total enrollment from 45 million in 1993 to more than 50 million, about one in five Americans.

A fifth of that growth, or more than one million people, took place through a more flexible option, called a point-of-service plan, which allows patients to opt out of a standard HMO for particular medical needs, according to data released by the Group Health Assn. of America.

The organization predicted that HMO enrollment in the coming year would rise to about 56 million. In 1982, less than 10 million Americans were covered by these health plans.

Nationally, premiums for the average HMO member will decline about 1.2% in 1995, the organization predicted. It said average monthly premiums will be $145 for an individual and $392 for a family.