Fire District Helps Its Heroes Afford Care with Paytient

About Bluffton Township Fire District

Since 1978, Bluffton Township Fire District has served its South Carolina community in emergency situations. Initially made up of three independent volunteer fire departments, the district now serves a population of roughly 75,000 residents and employs 170 personnel within its 246 square miles. BTFD is committed to protecting the lives and property of its citizens while providing proactive all-hazards public safety services to address community risks.

The Challenge

Bluffton Township Fire District has always been committed to supporting the people behind the badge. However, like many organizations, they faced a tough reality — rising healthcare costs were making it harder for employees to prioritize their health. From simple procedures to dental work, medical bills were adding up and causing some employees to forgo care altogether.

They needed a benefit that would make healthcare more accessible without adding more stress to employees' budgets, or HR’s workload.

The Solution

That’s where Paytient came in. With Paytient’s Health Payment Account (HPA), Bluffton’s team members gained access to a flexible, interest and fee-free way to cover health expenses over time. Whether it’s a surprise trip to the ER or care for a four-legged family member, Paytient is helping these heroes get the care they need without the financial scramble.

The Implementation

According to Bluffton’s HR Director, Tracy Walling, rolling out Paytient was simple and seamless. She stated, “This program has allowed our employees to schedule both medical and dental services for themselves and their families, purchase eyewear, and even pay for services for their pet family.” With clear communication and an easy setup, employees quickly understood how to activate and start using their Paytient cards without confusion or a heavy lift for HR.

The Results

Paytient is already demonstrating strong employee engagement. Since implementing:

• Over a quarter (27%) of employees have activated their Paytient accounts.
• A significant majority (70%) of those with activated accounts have already used their Paytient card for care.
• 79% of Paytient card users have utilized it multiple times.

As Walling recalled, “We had employees who told us they were going to delay care until they could save enough money. But when we introduced them to Paytient, they were able to get care right away, and that made all the difference."

The Impact

For Bluffton Township Fire District, offering Paytient isn’t just about affordability — it’s about showing their team they matter. As Walling put it, "We hope that more companies are able to offer this to their employees. It’s a great opportunity to show that the health and wellness of their families is important to the organization, and that we’re here when they need us most."

By giving their team a flexible, interest-free way to pay for care, Bluffton Township Fire District is doing more than easing financial stress. They’re strengthening trust, loyalty, and well-being across their entire department, proving that even small changes can make a huge difference.

‍Want to learn how Paytient can make a difference for you and your team? Visit paytient.com/employers to learn more. 

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