Fee-for-service patients rank their health plans number one in terms of access and quality of care, but HMO patients are most satisfied with their health plans overall, if only by a hair. In fact, HMO patients are most likely to recommend their health plans to family and friends. What makes HMOs so palatable is likely related to money. Out-of-pocket costs were rated excellent or very good by 54 percent of HMO patients versus 36 percent of fee-for-service patients.

Of note, PPO plans did not take top honors in any category, dipping into last place for overall satisfaction.

Source: National Research Corporation. Satisfaction Report Card: 1997 Results.