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For many Americans, a trip to the hospital is unexpected – and it usually comes with a cost in the form of an insurance deductible, co-pays and medical prescriptions.

Unfortunately, in today’s America, 37% can’t afford to pay a medical bill of $100 without going into debt. And, one-third of individuals will delay care due to cost. Recognizing that consumers shoulder more of the financial burden for healthcare, Clark Fork Valley Hospital wants to ensure its patients understand the health system will work with them to make care affordable versus delaying a much-needed procedure.

“With the increase in high deductible health plans, greater financial responsibility affects all Americans,” explained Carla Neiman, CFVH Chief Financial Officer. “We’re at a breaking point in our society. Our concern is ensuring people get the care they need versus seeing affordability as an obstacle.”

Beginning early this year, Clark Fork Valley Hospital partnered with ClearBalance to offer a consumer-friendly patient financing program. Under the program, patients receive an interest-free revolving line of credit with reasonable, flexible repayment terms to pay out-of-pocket hospital expenses, including deductibles and co-payments. Patients can add future medical bills from Clark Fork Valley Hospital to their balance and can consolidate medical costs for their spouse and dependents.

“More patients are consumers, shopping for healthcare based on quality, convenience and cost,” says Neiman. “Offering a financing option that will help ease the financial burden will enhance the patient’s experience with us and keeps Clark Fork Valley Hospital true to its mission of providing quality healthcare in a manner that responds to the needs of our communities.”

More information about the program is available from Clark Fork Valley Hospital’s Financial Services Department at 826-4962 or visit http://www.cfvh.org.