Is an ACO a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), managed care, or and insurance company?

No. An ACO is a group of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who communicate with you and with each other to make sure you get the care you need when you’re sick and the support you need to get an stay healthy. Unlike HMOs, managed care, and some insurance plans, an ACO can’t tell you which health care providers to see or hospital to visit, and can’t limit your Medicare benefits. Also, only people with Original Medicare can be assigned to an ACO. You can’t be assigned to an ACO if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or a Preferred Provider Organization).