Debit card may cut down on medical expenses placed on credit cards

09.06.09
By Lewis Green

Most bankruptcies in the U.S. are attributed to some sort of medical expense while many are forced to pay medical bills with credit cards. But while the nation discusses what should be done about the current healthcare system, some residents in Indiana will get a debit card which rewards them for making visits to the doctor.

The Associated Press reports that some Medicare patients in Indiana will receive a debit card which will accrue money when they go to their medical provider for regular screenings and checkups.

By visiting their primary physician in the first 90 days of the program, participants will receive $15 on the card with another $20 added if they go for an annual checkup at some point. The plan is also aimed at having new mothers bring their children to get a checkup. Bringing a newborn for a checkup can earn $10.

Pat Rooney, president and CEO of Managed Health Services, the group behind the program, says the idea is get people to practice preventative medicine to eliminate costly procedures later on.

"What we're trying to do is promote the healthy behavior and make sure the people are getting the right things that they need," he told the AP.

As the costs for medical procedures continues to climb, many Americans are being forced to make payments on their credit cards. Recent research from Kalorama Information found that an increasing number of people were adding to their credit card debt by paying medical expenses with credit cards.

A separate report from McKinsey Consulting estimated that by 2015, some $150 billion worth of medical expenses will be charged to credit cards.

Finally, a study from Demos earlier this year found that payment of out-of-pocket medical expenses made up an average of $2,194 in credit card debt.

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Some people in Indiana might be able to get money on a debit card just for going to the doctor