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Earlier this year, we conducted a comprehensive survey of Paytient Health Payment Account (HPA) users to better understand how payment flexibility impacts healthcare access, financial wellness, and workplace productivity. The January 2025 survey gathered insights from employees across industries, income levels, and health plan types, giving us a clearer picture of the financial realities many workers face when trying to afford care.
The results confirmed what we’ve long suspected: cost remains one of the biggest barriers to healthcare, even for insured employees. The survey revealed that without an HPA, many employees would have postponed or skipped care entirely, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased financial stress. It also highlighted the cascading benefits of financial flexibility—not just for individual well-being but for employers seeking to improve engagement, retention, and overall benefits satisfaction.
By listening to those who use HPAs regularly, we gain a deeper understanding of why payment design matters and how offering flexible, no-interest payment options can reshape the healthcare experience for both employees and the organizations that support them.
Here’s what we learned about how the Health Payment Account is reshaping how employees navigate medical expenses.
The Reality: Out-of-Pocket Costs are Out of Reach For Many
For many employees, the cost of healthcare isn’t just a concern—it’s a barrier. A routine check-up, an unexpected prescription, or an urgent dental visit can quickly turn into a major financial strain, forcing people to make impossible choices between their health and their budget.
That’s why, in our recent study, almost 80% of surveyed members said they’d have deferred some or all care if it weren’t for Paytient. With a Health Payment Account (HPA) in their pocket, they can afford care at the moment it’s needed without draining their savings, turning to high-interest options, or putting it off completely.
Nobody plans on getting sick or breaking a bone, but the fact is, it happens. However, almost 40% of Americans can’t cover a $400 emergency expense without borrowing. That’s where Paytient comes in. Rather than punishing the unprepared, Paytient provides immediate access to a flexible, interest-free way to pay for care.
Why Employees Depend on Their HPA
Employees turn to their Health Payment Account (HPA) for everything from routine checkups and prescriptions to dental work, vision care, and even veterinary expenses. But beyond the types of care they cover, HPAs are reshaping how employees experience and engage with healthcare—and with their work.
Here’s a deeper look at the impact HPAs have had on Paytient members, according to our study:
- Nearly 80% of employees said they would have postponed or skipped care without their Paytient card. The vast majority of this group would have had to delay care until they could afford it, while about 20% said they wouldn’t have gotten care at all.
- 78% of employees say they’re healthier because of Paytient. When cost is no longer an obstacle, people are more likely to schedule preventive visits, stay on top of medications, and address health concerns before they escalate.
- 94% of employees say their HPA relieves financial stress. Healthcare expenses don’t always align with paychecks, but knowing they can cover costs without taking on debt or dipping into savings provides peace of mind.
A Better Way to Handle the Unexpected
Illnesses and injuries don't wait for payday, and neither should healthcare. By making care more accessible without financial strain, Paytient is giving employees a smarter, more flexible way to manage their health expenses.
When employees don’t have to put off care—or worry about how they’ll afford it—they stay healthier, happier, and more productive. And when employers provide benefits that truly make a difference, they see higher job satisfaction, better retention, and a workforce that feels valued and supported.
Join the thousands of employees who rely on Paytient to take control of their healthcare costs—without the stress. Ready to learn more? Let’s talk.
