Let’s look at a typical Bozeman scenario. A two-income family, let’s call them the Johnsons, has a high-deductible plan to keep premiums down. They visit Big Sky for a ski vacation when their son, Frankie, breaks an arm. At $ 5,000, including imaging and immediate and follow-up care, this is below their deductible, leaving them with a hefty bill.
One option is to put the expense on a credit card, but with 20% interest, no thank you. A patient payment plan, which often offers interest-free, limited-time payments, is a much more appealing option.
Rising Healthcare Costs in Montana
Healthcare costs are going up across the country, and Montana is no exception. A Value Penguin report reveals the following increases between 2025 and 2026:
• Bronze plans on the insurance marketplace will increase by 18% per month
• Gold plans will increase by 16%
• Silver plans will increase by 20% and have had the largest price increases over the past five years
• Catastrophic plans have the largest increase, at 26%
Part of the increase is due to financial support made available during the pandemic, which expired at the end of 2025.
State employees and retirees are also feeling the burn. A Montana Government report reveals employer contributions will rise to $1,080, marking the first increase since 2017. Employees and families pay $397 per month.
Non-Medicare retirees pay $1529 per month, while Medicare retirees on fixed incomes will experience 4% spikes.
How a Patient Payment Plan Helps
Patient payment plans help by allowing individuals to pay medical bills over time, often interest-free. The funds can be used to cover gaps in insurance, high deductibles and co-pays, and uncovered treatments, including elective procedures, dental visits, and emergency care. They also benefit providers by allowing them to collect payments immediately rather than in installments, thereby avoiding an arduous collection process.
How do Payment Plans Work?
Payment plans offer a simple application and repayment process, similar to a credit card. Here’s how they work:
1. Determine Eligibility: Complete an online form to check your eligibility. Some systems will request a credit check; others will offer immediate approval based on the information you entered. Either way, the process doesn’t take long.
2. Set Up Repayment Terms: Most payment plans require a monthly payment. Terms vary regarding interest, origination fee, early repayment, and other penalties. However, many are interest-free and easy to work with.
3. Choose a Payment Method: Depending on the platform, you may be able to pay with a debit card, credit card, HSA, or directly with a checking account. Many offer automated and digital payment options for added convenience.
4. Track and Manage Payments: The platform typically lets you set up a payment portal to track and manage payments and receive notifications to avoid late fees.
How to Find the Best Payment Plan for Your Family
Not all payment plans are created equal, and it’s essential to find one that works for your family. Here are some things to consider.
• Find Out What Your Provider Accepts: Not all providers accept all payment plans. Finding out which your provider works with is a good starting point.
• Consider Interest Rates: Ideally, the plan will offer interest-free payments for a limited time, typically 6-24 months. Other cards offer low-interest payments. In these instances, ensure rates are lower than your credit card rate.
• Watch for Fees and Penalties: Costs can add up due to enrolment and set-up fees, late payment fees, payment processing fees, missed payments, and cancellations. Find out what each payment plan offers to avoid rising costs.
• Ensure You Can Keep Up with Payments: The plan you choose should conform to your budget with more affordable payments, even if that means longer terms.
• Check if the Plan Affects Your Credit: Some plans require a credit check, which may affect your budget. If you are concerned about your credit, find out about credit checks in advance.
• Customer Service: Choose a credit plan that offers human customer service beyond a website. When applying, look for ways to contact the service, such as an email address, phone number, or online form.
Recommended services include Clear Balance, Care Credit, and Cherry.
Other Ways to Save on Healthcare
Payment plans can make care more affordable, but here are some other ways to save.
• Invest in Preventive Care: The best way to avoid high healthcare bills is to prevent illness in the first place. You can do this by eating well, exercising, and visiting your doctor regularly for check-ups and vaccinations.
• Use Low-Cost Clinics: Many clinics in Bozeman and the surrounding areas offer sliding-scale and even free care. You can also check out university clinics, which typically charge less.
• Ask About Discounts: Some clinics may offer discounts if you pay in cash, don’t have insurance, or sign up for a membership program.
• Save on Pharmaceuticals: Medications can be cheaper if you choose generic versions or shop at low-cost online pharmacies like
GoodRx. Some pharmacies also offer coupons that reduce costs.
• Choose the Right Type of Care: When someone gets sick, your first thought may be to go to the hospital, especially in the middle of the night. However, if care is not critical, hold off and book an appointment at a clinic or urgent care to save money.
• Check Bills Carefully: Some clinics overcharge patients and provide unnecessary services, whether intentionally or purposefully. Request estimates in advance and look over bills carefully to ensure you are charged fairly for the services you need.
• Work with Your Insurance: Avoid higher insurance costs by using providers in your network.
• Open an HSA: A health savings account is a tax-advantaged plan for people with high-deductible insurance. Contributions can be made by you, a family member, or an employer, and are pre-tax. Growth and withdrawals are tax-free, and the money can be used for qualified medical expenses.
Conclusion
Healthcare prices in Bozeman, MT, are going up. You can reduce your financial burden with payment plans and other money-saving methods. What will you do to keep your family healthy without going broke?
