What are the biggest challenges for patients in managing their medical bill payments?

The financial burden placed on patients today is higher than it has ever been, and Americans are increasingly struggling to cover their bills and delaying care due to cost. The U.S. health care system drives more consumers to bankruptcy than any other sector. At the same time, even when patients can pay their bills, the process is broken and confusing. During a single health care visit — an annual checkup, a specialty consultation, or a major surgery — a typical patient has multiple, disconnected interactions with their provider and insurer about their financial responsibility. This lack of alignment leads to frustration and confusion for consumers, resulting in missed payments, overspending, administrative waste and money left on the table; not only do U.S. consumers spend 12 million hours a week on the phone with health insurers, but more than one-third of consumers have been sent to debt collection.

Instant Insights /

The problem with health care billing: A Q&A with Seth Cohen

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You