November 23, 2022
It is no secret that the cost of healthcare in the United States is high. What may be less well known are the significant challenges in patient financial responsibility people face in meeting those costs. For patients, three of the most common challenges to meeting medical bills are:
- Lack of insurance coverage
- High deductibles and co-pays
- Inability to pay
The American healthcare system is dense and convoluted, leading to confusion and frustration for many patients. Even for those with insurance, uncertainty regarding what medical services are covered can lead to higher-than-expected costs, and high deductibles can unduly burden families already stretched financially.
FinPay is committed to addressing the affordability challenges in healthcare by enhancing the patient financial experience through pre-care engagement, expanding healthcare financial literacy, advocating for cost transparency, and offering affordable payment options, all while restoring consumer trust in the American healthcare system.
3 Most Common Challenges in Patient Financial Responsibility
While there are many reasons why patients could struggle with paying medical bills, the three most common are lack of insurance coverage, high deductibles and co-pays, and an inability to pay.
Lack of Insurance Coverage
One of the biggest challenges that patients face in meeting their healthcare costs is a lack of insurance coverage. Many people do not have adequate or reliable insurance coverage in today's complex and confusing healthcare system. While many employed people have insurance through their employer, the quality and coverage of this insurance can vary greatly. Additionally, with the rising cost of healthcare in recent years, many people have been forced to reduce their coverage or even drop it entirely as employers shift more of the costs to the employees. This can lead to higher-than-expected medical bills, as patients are often unaware of what services are covered by their insurance plan.
High Deductibles and Co-Pays
In addition to the lack of reliable insurance coverage, many people also struggle with high deductibles and co-pays. These can be particularly burdensome for those already struggling financially, as they must pay out of pocket until they meet their deductible and insurance coverage kicks in.
Inability to Pay
Perhaps the most challenging obstacle facing patients in meeting medical bills is simply an inability to pay. For some, this is due to a lack of income or savings, while others may struggle with previous medical debt and mounting bills. Regardless of the cause, it can be difficult for patients to pay their medical costs without help from healthcare providers or financial assistance programs.
Overcoming Challenges in the Healthcare Consumer Experience
There are payment options for healthcare costs, especially for those in financial distress. Some of these payment solutions available to patients include:
- Healthcare financing programs: These programs typically offer low or no-interest loans for patients who cannot pay their medical bills upfront. Healthcare financing allows patients to take out a loan and pay off their medical expenses over time.
- Financial assistance programs: There are many organizations and nonprofits that offer financial assistance to patients who need help paying their medical bills. These programs can provide direct financial support or connect patients with other resources and services that can help them afford their healthcare costs.
- Employer-sponsored programs: Many employers offer their employees healthcare benefits, including assistance with payments. These may include reduced premiums, lower deductibles and co-pays, or other benefits that help employees manage their healthcare costs.
To overcome the challenges of navigating healthcare expenses, patients must be proactive and educated about their options. This may include researching coverage and payment options before treatment, asking questions and advocating for themselves with healthcare providers, and taking advantage of any financial assistance programs that may be available. By working together with healthcare providers and supporting organizations, patients can take control of their healthcare experience and ensure that their medical costs are affordable and manageable.
Let FinPay Help You Overcome Challenges in Patient Financial Responsibility
FinPay offers an automated, patient-focused system that provides a range of payment options to help overcome the challenges of patient financial responsibility. Whether you are uninsured, underinsured, or simply unable to pay your medical bills upfront, our flexible payment options can help meet your needs. Contact info@finpay.com to learn more.
