U.S. Healthcare Launches "Buy Now, Pay Later" to Expand Access to Care
In a groundbreaking partnership between major hospital systems and several high-growth lending startups, Americans can now pay for healthcare using the same tool they use to buy sneakers and concert tickets they can't afford: Buy Now Pay Later.
The program, called "CareFlex," offers patients interest-free installment plans for everything from ER visits to surprise out-of-network anesthesia. “It’s about access,” said Robin Payshents, spokesperson for CareFlex. “Why should someone have to choose between treating a compound fracture and keeping their WiFi on? Now they don’t have to.”
Patients are approved instantly with only a name, date of birth, and a vague sense of desperation. No insurance? No credit? No problem. "This really levels the playing field," Payshents added. "For too long, medical debt was a luxury only the insured could accumulate."
One patient was able to get a routine MRI for only 25% upfront. "They said I could buy now, pay in six easy installments, or wait until it goes to collections and probably only pay ten cents on the dollar. Honestly, it felt empowering."
Asked whether the program might be predatory, a hospital spokesperson responded, "We prefer the term 'financially inclusive.'" All parties declined to comment on why a single Band-Aid is still itemized at $497.83. “Look, the hospital sets the prices,” said Payshents. “We just charge the fees. And the penalties. And the late payment charges. And the risk-adjusted margin enhancement assessments.”
CareFlex projects that within two years, the average American will owe more in healthcare payment plan debt than their annual salary. “That’s when the real innovation begins,” said Payshents. “We’re already testing a feature that lets users finance their CareFlex purchases… with more CareFlex.”
Most patients simply accumulate new procedures rather than paying existing balances. "It's a beautiful ecosystem," Payshents noted. "Care keeps happening, revenue keeps flowing, and eventually someone else figures out the math. Think musical chairs, but with medical bankruptcy."