Final answer:
Subscribers or insureds are the ones responsible for making premium payments in an HMO plan, which is a healthcare system where providers are paid a fixed amount per enrolled person, focusing on preventative care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individuals responsible for making premium payments in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan are the subscribers or insureds. Subscribers are the people who have joined an HMO plan and have agreed to pay a regular premium in exchange for access to a range of healthcare services provided by the HMO's network. The HMO model emphasizes preventative care and may include various measures to help avoid health issues that could lead to more expensive treatments later on.
In contrast to the fee-for-service system, where providers are paid based on the number of services they deliver, HMO providers are reimbursed a fixed amount regardless of how many services are performed. This is meant to manage the healthcare costs and reduce the moral hazard of overutilization of healthcare services. As healthcare providers receive a set payment per insured individual, they are encouraged to focus on preventative care and efficient treatment strategies.