Financial Wellness

Millions of Americans struggle with unexpected out-of-pocket healthcare costs, leading to deferred care and financial stress—but a new feature in over 60M health plans is changing that. By integrating payment flexibility, payers are unlocking certainty of affordability, allowing members to transform medical expenses into manageable, interest-free payments—improving access, financial stability, and health outcomes.

Managing healthcare costs can feel like a financial tightrope walk. One unexpected bill can throw off your entire budget, and even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can pile up fast. That’s why having the right tools in place—like a Health Payment Account (HPA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA)—can make all the difference.

When it comes to healthcare, affordability isn’t just a buzzword—it determines access, outcomes, and equity. The economic principles governing healthcare demand are straightforward: as costs decrease or become manageable, more people can access and afford the care they need. When they are high, rising, or uncertain, too often, healthcare doesn’t happen. Unfortunately, Out-of-pocket costs often present insurmountable barriers for patients.

When we think about innovation in healthcare, it’s easy to get caught in the traditional "iron triangle": access, cost, and quality. These three elements have long been considered fixed constraints—improve one, and you’re likely to diminish another. But what if there’s a way to disrupt these familiar dynamics? What if there’s a fourth dimension that, by pushing the triangle over time, can make care more accessible and affordable without sacrificing quality? Our CEO and founder, Brian Whorley, has written about this possibility, which is worth revisiting as benefit leaders emerge from open enrollment and turn their eyes toward 2026.

Managing healthcare costs doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—especially when you have the right tools in your wallet. Health Payment Accounts (HPAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are two powerful options that are often treated as standalone solutions, but here’s the thing—they’re even better when they’re paired together.

Joe | Member Story