Ohio insurer offering credit card for out-of-pocket expenses

In response to the increasing number of customers picking plans with high out-of-pocket costs, Medical Mutual of Ohio has introduced a new credit card that allows its enrollees to pay for their medical expenses interest-free for six months (Source: “Insurer offering medical bill cure,” Akron Beacon-Journal, Aug. 10, 2008).

The Cleveland-based insurer is offering its Clear MasterCard to workers at participating companies with 100 or more employees. Purchases made with the card are automatically deducted from an employee’s paycheck. Health-related expenses are deducted over six months, interest free. All other purchases made with the card are deducted over two months.

The credit card ''is not a solution to the whole health-care infrastructure, but it is something that can help people manage their costs,'' said Aaron Graham, director of product development for Medical Mutual.