HMA and TempoPay Tackle Medical Debt with New Interest-Free Payment Plan

MILWAUKEE, WI & BELLEVUE, WA – May 05, 2026 – In a move aimed at easing the financial burden of healthcare for thousands of employees, third-party administrator Healthcare Management Administrators (HMA) has announced a partnership with fintech solution TempoPay. The collaboration will provide members of HMA's self-funded employer health plans with access to an interest-free, flexible payment program for their out-of-pocket medical expenses.

The partnership introduces the TempoPay Visa® card to HMA members, allowing them to pay for a wide range of services—including medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care—and repay the costs over time without incurring interest, fees, or undergoing a credit check. The initiative directly confronts the growing crisis of healthcare affordability that forces many individuals to delay or forgo necessary treatment.

Addressing a Growing Affordability Crisis

The landscape of American healthcare is increasingly defined by high deductibles and significant out-of-pocket costs, creating a substantial barrier to care even for those with insurance. Recent industry data paints a stark picture: nearly half of all insured adults report difficulty affording their out-of-pocket expenses. This financial strain is not just a matter of inconvenience; it has profound health consequences. More than half of U.S. adults admit to having delayed or skipped necessary medical care due to cost, a decision that can lead to worsening health conditions and more expensive treatments down the line.

The problem is particularly acute for unexpected medical needs. With studies showing that 40% of American consumers have less than $500 saved for an emergency, a single visit to the emergency room—which can average over $2,400—can trigger a financial crisis. This partnership seeks to provide a crucial safety net.

"Out-of-pocket costs prevent too many people from getting the care they need when they need it. That is exactly the problem we're here to solve," said Tom Policelli, CEO of HPS/PayMedix, the parent company of TempoPay. "Working with HMA expands access funds when they're needed and gives people a simple way to repay over time, so they can move forward with care without added financial strain."

How the New Benefit Works

For employees, the program is designed for simplicity and immediate relief. Once an employer opts into the program, employees can sign up at any time to receive a TempoPay Visa card. This card can be used to pay for healthcare costs at the point of service, effectively removing the financial friction that often occurs in a doctor's office or pharmacy. The employee then sets up a repayment schedule that fits their budget, with payments made over time through payroll deduction or a bank account.

The program's key appeal lies in its consumer-friendly terms: no interest charges, no hidden fees, and no credit checks. This accessibility ensures that the benefit is available to all employees, regardless of their credit history or financial situation. For employers, the program is designed for rapid implementation, with most able to launch it for their workforce within two weeks.

Furthermore, HMA's employer clients can customize the program to meet the specific needs of their workforce. This includes the unique option to add interest-free financing for pet care, recognizing that for many, the health of their pets is a significant source of both emotional and financial stress.

"At HMA, we are constantly seeking innovative solutions that strengthen the value we deliver to self-funded employers and their members," stated Tina Stone, Director of Product and Marketing at HMA. "Our partnership with TempoPay expands access to flexible healthcare financing options, helping members better manage out-of-pocket expenses while supporting employers' goals around affordability, engagement, and overall plan performance."

A Strategic Move in the Self-Funded Market

The collaboration is more than just a new employee benefit; it represents a strategic response to the pressing challenges faced by self-funded employers. These employers, who pay for their employees' health claims directly, are on the front lines of battling escalating healthcare costs. With medical renewal rates hitting record highs and high-cost claims surging, companies are seeking innovative strategies to control spending without sacrificing the quality of their benefits.

Offering a solution like TempoPay allows these employers to enhance their benefits package in a highly meaningful way. It addresses a primary source of employee stress—financial insecurity—and can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce. By removing barriers to care, employers may also see a long-term reduction in costs associated with delayed diagnoses and unmanaged chronic conditions. In a competitive labor market, such a benefit can also be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent, signaling that the company is invested in its employees' holistic well-being.

Fintech's Growing Role in Reshaping Healthcare

This partnership also highlights a broader industry trend: the increasing role of financial technology in solving entrenched healthcare problems. TempoPay, which was acquired by HPS/PayMedix in 2024, is part of a wave of companies using technology to create more transparent and consumer-centric payment systems. HPS/PayMedix, which processes over $7 billion in medical payments, has attracted significant investor confidence, securing $33 million in a recent funding round to accelerate its growth.

This model stands in sharp contrast to traditional healthcare financing options, such as medical credit cards that often come with deferred interest that can quickly balloon into high-cost debt if not paid off in time. By eliminating interest and credit checks, the TempoPay model is designed to function as a true financial support tool rather than a credit product. This approach not only provides a better experience for the patient but also navigates the complex regulatory landscape by focusing on transparency and fairness.

By integrating this fintech solution, HMA is enabling its clients to move beyond reactive budgeting for healthcare costs and adopt a proactive strategy that improves both financial wellness and health outcomes for their employees. The partnership ultimately provides a practical, modern solution to the enduring challenge of making healthcare affordable and accessible for all.