How Flexible Payment Options Are Shaping Healthcare Decisions in a Financially Strained Era

Healthcare decisions are no longer just a matter of well-being. For many, they’ve become a financial problem and potential burden. As the cost of care rises, patients are increasingly forced to weigh medical expenses against essential needs. In this climate, flexible payment options are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Providers who offer tailored financial solutions are poised to meet a critical demand and improve patient access to care—that’s a really big deal.

The Growing Impact of Financial Barriers

For younger generations, particularly Gen Z, the financial strain is acute. More than half (55%) have delayed dental visits, and 37% have postponed primary care due to cost. With nearly half (47%) of Gen Z using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services to afford necessary treatments, it’s clear that payment flexibility is growing more and more critical.

While Gen Z is currently feeling the greatest financial strain when it comes to healthcare costs, the need for payment flexibility crosses generational lines. In 2023, 11% of Baby Boomers paid more than $7,500 out-of-pocket. Meanwhile, nearly 80% of Gen Z and 76% of Millennials say they prefer providers who offer installment plans or BNPL options. What was once considered a perk is now a necessity—especially for younger patients trying to balance medical needs with financial realities.

The Gap Between Patient Expectations and Provider Offerings

While demand for flexible payments is high, the healthcare industry is lagging in providing these solutions. Over half (51%) of consumers report that their providers don’t offer any flexible payment options.

Among those that do, access to BNPL is rare—only 12% have this option, and 21% are offered installment plans. And just 16% of patients have access to healthcare-specific credit cards like CareCredit. One thing is certain: there’s a clear disconnect between patient expectations and the current state of healthcare payment offerings.

The Power of BNPL: Redefining Healthcare Access

For many, BNPL is the game-changer. Nearly half (47%) of consumers say they’d be less likely to delay care if BNPL were available, with Gen Z and Millennials particularly impacted.

A significant 65% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials report that BNPL could make a meaningful difference in their ability to access timely care. Furthermore, 1 in 5 Gen Z patients say flexible financing directly influenced their choice of provider.

Financial Priorities and the Delay of Care

It’s no surprise that essential needs like food and housing take precedence over healthcare. A striking 46% of survey respondents ranked food as their top financial priority. And 37% delayed dental care—more than any other postponed service.

This pattern highlights the growing need for healthcare providers to make care accessible with flexible payment solutions.

What Healthcare Providers Can Do

Younger patients are increasingly prioritizing flexible payment options, with 63% willing to select providers based on financial flexibility alone. This presents a prime opportunity for healthcare providers to attract a younger, price-conscious demographic.

Already, 24% of consumers are using BNPL plans, and that number is growing. As demand continues to rise, providers have a chance to make care more accessible to underserved patients who might otherwise delay treatment.

Dental and primary care are among the most commonly delayed services. Offering flexible payment solutions for these high-need areas can help ensure that patients get the care they need when they need it, improving both patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The Future of Accessible Healthcare

As financial strain becomes a defining factor in healthcare decisions, offering flexible payment solutions will no longer be optional—it will be essential. BNPL, installment plans, and other payment options allow patients to access timely care without compromising financial stability.

Providers who embrace this shift will not only meet a growing demand but also build lasting loyalty with a patient base that increasingly values affordability and flexibility. In the evolving healthcare market, adapting to this new reality is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. The future of accessible healthcare depends on it.

Source: Weave. (2024, December 17). Dr. Google Study Findings.
https://www.getweave.com/dr-google-study-findings/