Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with an HMO plan?

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are designed to provide a more managed approach to healthcare, focusing on wellness and preventive care. One key characteristic of an HMO is its emphasis on providing comprehensive services to members, often including features like free annual check-ups and a focus on encouraging early treatment to help prevent more serious health issues.

However, HMOs typically have a more limited network of healthcare providers, which includes a smaller selection of specialists compared to other plan types like Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). This limitation is a defining trait of HMO plans, as they prefer members to receive care from a designated network of doctors and hospitals, and often require referrals from a primary care physician to see a specialist. Therefore, the characteristic of offering a wide range of specialists is not something typically associated with HMO plans. Instead, they might focus on a few select specialists within their network who adhere to the HMO's care protocols, which allows for greater control over costs and care coordination.