What is a feature of preventive care in HMOs?

Preventive care in Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) is typically covered at no cost to the member. This approach aligns with the HMO's focus on proactive health management and cost-effective healthcare delivery. By providing preventive services without a charge, HMOs encourage their members to utilize services such as vaccinations, annual check-ups, and screenings. This not only helps in early detection and prevention of diseases but also contributes to the overall cost savings for the healthcare system by potentially avoiding more expensive treatments later on.

In contrast, other options reflect features that do not align with the general principles of HMOs regarding preventive care. For example, the exclusion of preventive care would negate the emphasis HMOs place on health maintenance and disease prevention. Similarly, charging additional costs or requiring written referrals are not standard protocols for preventive services within HMOs, as they seek to simplify access to these essential services for their members.