Ohioans using credit cards to pay for health care

According to an article in the Marietta Times, many Ohioans are using credit cards to pay medical and prescription bills. (Source: "Americans use plastic to help pay for health care costs," Nov. 26, 2007.) Pam Dowler, executive director of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said this is due to a number of factors, including the economy and higher fuel, utility, and grocery bills. Another reason, though, is that "many health care facilities, especially hospitals, are offering a 25% discount if the person pays the balance of their health care bill up front, before insurance pays. The easiest thing for many in that situation is to put the balance on a credit card."