Ridawn's Story: Handling Medical Surprises Without the Financial Panic

Today,  40% of workplace-insured Americans have delayed or skipped medical treatment simply because they couldn't afford the out-of-pocket costs. And the care being skipped isn't elective. It's specialist visits, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and urgent procedures. 

For Ridawn Bandera, an employee who has spent six years at Crescent Parts & Equipment, looking out for her coworkers comes naturally. As she puts it, “I am the caregiver. I take care of people. They call me mom, which I love.” 

But when life took an unexpected turn, Ridawn suddenly found herself needing a safety net for her own family. Her husband needed surgery — not next week, not next month, but now — and a $1,700 deductible stood between a lingering health concern and necessary care.

The Weight of the "Wait"

When a last-minute surgery arises, the friction isn't just medical; it’s the immediate, heavy realization of a high out-of-pocket cost. Like many savvy employees, Ridawn chose a high-deductible plan for an HSA to prepare for retirement, but high-deductible plans often come with a hidden tax: chronic stress. 

The average HDHP deductible for single coverage reached $1,886 in 2025 — and for workers at small firms, it's even higher, averaging $2,631. More than half of small-firm workers face a deductible of at least $2,000. 

The fear that a single medical event could deplete a nest egg just before the next chapter often leads to "wait and see" healthcare, where treatments are delayed and conditions worsen. Today, 51% of Americans say they're worried about affording healthcare over the next 12 months — the highest level in five years. In fact, when workplace-insured Americans delay care, 38% report their health deteriorating and 23% develop entirely new symptoms, often leading to avoidable emergency room visits and higher claims costs for employers.

The Real Benefit of Being Able to Pay for Care

Ridawn didn't have to choose between getting her husband the care he needed and protecting their savings. Instead, she reached for her Paytient card.

Paytient gave Ridawn $3,000 in out-of-pocket purchasing power — available for everything from last-minute surgeries to dental visits — and she used it exactly when her family needed it.

"It worked. And they just set me up with a payment plan. I didn't have to do anything. I love it. I think every employer should have it for their employees"

With a single tap of her Paytient card, Ridawn moved forward — no paperwork, no delays, no stress. Paytient handles healthcare crises as soon as they arise, breaking out-of-pocket costs into smaller, interest-free payments so the financial stress disappears.

That's what the ability to pay for care really means: completing the transaction on the day care happens — not after months of stress, delayed treatment, or a depleted nest egg.

For Ridawn, it meant moving past that feeling of "how will we pay for this?" and moving forward with the confidence that her family was taken care of.

She's not alone in wanting that peace of mind: 67% of employees believe healthcare is the most important benefit for workers.

The Outcome

The result was more than just a successful surgery; it provided the instant exhale and relief of knowing the bill was handled, and she didn't have to think about it again. As Ridawn looks toward retirement in four years, she carries the confidence that her ability to pay for care is secure. 

Employers who visibly invest in benefits that remove financial barriers see measurable results: employees who feel cared for are both more likely to stay and more productive. Empowering members with the ability to pay is how Paytient makes that possible.

By eliminating the fear of sudden medical bills, Paytient allows members like Ridawn and partners like Crescent Parts & Equipment to focus on what matters: getting the right care at the right time, without a bill getting in the way.