WARWICK – With its introduction in July of CarePayment, Kent Hospital became the first hospital in Rhode Island to offer patients access to this hospital-branded relationship card, enabling them to pay hospital costs interest-free for a period of 25 months.
Now, when many are considering different packages and benefits for Jan. 1 re-enrollment for health insurance programs, Kent Hospital has sent out reminders about its new payment program, according to hospital spokesman Jim Beardsworth.
The no-interest payment plan is similar to those offered by various retail stores, according to hospital officials. The plan is open to all patients, regardless of insurance coverage.
CarePayment was first established in Portland, Ore., in 2004. Hospitals that have implemented the program have reportedly seen improvements on their balance sheets and reported increases in patient satisfaction, according to Kent Hospital officials.
“This is the time of year many people are making important health care coverage decisions for themselves and their families. Choosing plans that best meet their needs while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses is of primary importance,” said Sandra Coletta, president and CEO at Kent Hospital.
Coletta called the CarePayment program “a unique resource” for those facing challenging decisions. Hospital officials suggest that the plan will make medical bills less burdensome for those who are uninsured or facing the rising cost of deductibles, co-payments and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Beardsworth said that the program would be evaluated on an ongoing basis, with the hope that it would lower some barriers for patients in seeking health care.
