Which of the following best describes the term "subscriber" in a health maintenance contract?

The term "subscriber" in a health maintenance contract refers specifically to the policyholder who enrolls in the health maintenance organization (HMO) plan and is entitled to receive healthcare benefits under that contract. This individual typically pays a premium for their coverage and may also pay various copayments or deductibles as part of their healthcare expenses.

In this context, the subscriber is the person who holds the contract with the HMO, enabling them to access medical services arranged by the organization. This distinguishes them from other roles in the healthcare system, such as healthcare providers, who offer medical services, or auditors, who review operations but do not have a direct subscriber role in the health maintenance contract. The term does not apply to non-participating members either, as they do not hold a subscription that grants them access to the plan's benefits. Therefore, identifying the subscriber as the individual receiving benefits is both accurate and relevant to understanding their role within a health maintenance organization.