What is the oldest form of managed care?

The oldest form of managed care is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). HMOs were established in the early 20th century and gained significant prominence in the 1970s when they became popular as a way to provide comprehensive health services while controlling costs. The structure of an HMO emphasizes preventive care and wellness, requiring members to utilize a network of specific physicians and facilities, which helps streamline care delivery and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

The focus on a coordinated approach to health care in HMOs laid the groundwork for more modern forms of managed care. As the healthcare landscape evolved, other models like Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs), and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) emerged, each with their specific features and advantages, but none precede the foundational principles established by HMOs. Therefore, the significance of HMOs in the history of managed care is what makes them the correct answer to this question.