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Offering long-term payment plans to meet the financial needs of patients

  As healthcare payment liability continues to shift to patients, it has become increasingly important for healthcare organizations to offer convenient and accessible patient payment options. Prior to COVID-19, the exponential growth of high deductible health plans along with rising consumerism drove the need for more flexible payment vehicles. While those drivers are still valid, the current public health crisis has made payment programs even more essential. The cost of treating the virus is significant, and rising unemployment means more people are coming to the hospital without insurance. A key component in a patient-centered payment experience is a patient lending program, which allows patients to spread payments over time with little to no interest. These types of programs empower patients to meet their responsibilities while respecting the burden the obligations represent. A well-administered payment plan can also foster a lasting relationship with patient