The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a report detailing the risks faced by Americans who take on medical credit cards and financing plans, with some patients being signed up for such programs without consent.
People turn to medical credit cards or loans provided by their healthcare provider to meet surprise medical expenses in case they do not have sufficient cash, only have limited access to credit, or wish to get treatment quickly. In a hospital, patients are under stress and may extend their trust in the healthcare provider to the referred financial services company.
“In some cases, patients report being signed up without their consent or knowledge. In general, it is more difficult for patients to process complex information when in pain or under stress,” the May 4 CFPB report (pdf) said….