Age and patterns of HMO satisfaction.

Consumerism and increasing complexity in health care options highlight the importance of health care satisfaction. Patterns and sources of satisfaction are assessed for health maintenance organizations (HMOs), a relatively novel option, using national survey data. Particular attention is paid to age differences, because HMO Medicare coverage is a recent development and older people generally express little HMO familiarity or receptivity. Higher satisfaction is expressed by HMO members than by nonmembers for both younger and older persons. HMO satisfaction is higher for older than for younger members, a pattern at odds with nonmember attitudes about HMOs. Member satisfaction is a function of the nature of patient/provider ties and related attitudes, as it is among nonmembers. Importance of a "regular" provider is particularly evident among older HMO members. Patterns of HMO satisfaction among older members likely reflects both cohort differences and age-associated patterns of health and related attitudes.