What you should know:
– KLAS Report: According to the recently published Patient Financing Services 2026 KLAS reportThe industry is undergoing a critical structural change in the way these third-party programs are modeled, and one startup is capitalizing on the transition better than anyone.
– Market change: Patient financing services are third-party solutions that give patients flexibility to pay for their healthcare costs over time, simultaneously shifting long-term accounts receivable and potential financial risk away from the healthcare organization.
– With appeal versus without appeal: The market is divided into two main models. In recourse financing, the healthcare organization retains the financial risk if a patient defaults, but enjoys lower program fees and broader patient eligibility. In non-recourse financing, the third-party company assumes all of the risk of patient non-payment.
Understand the two main models
Organizations typically choose between recourse and non-recourse financing based on their risk appetite, financial objectives, and operational capacity.
Recourse financing
In this model, the healthcare organization retains financial responsibility if a patient defaults; unpaid balances eventually return to the supplier.
- Key advantage: Generally features lower program fees and less restrictive patient eligibility criteria.
- Main decision factor: Chosen by organizations that prioritize better return on investment and broader patient access.
Non-recourse financing
The financial company assumes all risk of patient nonpayment, meaning the healthcare organization is not obligated to reimburse the company if a patient defaults.
- Key advantage: Offers risk transfer and accounting purpose, providing predictable cash flow.
- Main decision factor: Favored by organizations seeking operational simplicity and those dissatisfied with previous resource models.
Supplier performance and insights
- PayZen (Score: 95.2): Recognized as a Best in KLAS 2026 winner, PayZen is praised for its non-recourse model that delivers immediate cash flow, reduces bad debt, and offers flexible payment options. Customers consistently highlight PayZen’s reliable technology, transparent reporting, and strong multi-channel patient engagement.
- ClearBalance Healthcare (Score: 93.4): This company generates high satisfaction through a patient-centered recourse model that features multiple plan tiers, flexible payment terms, and remarkably low recourse rates.
- iVitaFi (Score: 92.7): Highly regarded for its non-recourse model, iVitaFi provides predictable cash flow while reducing the collection burden on internal staff. Customers report strong system integration, hands-on adoption support, and responsive account teams.
- Curae (Score: 88.7): Curae’s non-recourse model is appreciated for eliminating risk and providing quick payments without creating long-term administrative burdens. While some customers cite high costs, highly satisfied respondents praise the company’s attentive communication.
- CarePayment (Score: 86.6): Most customers using CarePayment’s resourcing model are highly satisfied, highlighting the company’s flexibility with patients and organizations, as well as its high-touch partnership.
- AccessOne (Score: 76.6): AccessOne has experienced declining satisfaction, with customers primarily citing turnover among account leaders and managers. This has led to inconsistent communication, a loss of institutional knowledge, and slower problem resolution.
