Paytient-Greenwald survey: 61% of insured workers have paid for care in cash, bypassing their plan
Key points
- 61% of surveyed insured workers have paid for care or medication entirely in cash
- Reasons for paying cash include out-of-network providers (45%), a lower cash price (37%), speed (30%) and an unmet deductible (27%)
- The study was commissioned by Paytient, which sells payroll-based payment tools; Marsh said average per-employee health benefit costs are expected to rise 8.2% in 2027
A Paytient-Greenwald Research survey of 2,024 full-time employer-insured workers, fielded in mid-2026, found 61% have paid for care or medication entirely in cash. Among them, 45% cited out-of-network providers, 37% a lower cash price, 30% speed and 27% an unmet deductible. Paytient, which sells payroll-based payment tools, commissioned the study. Marsh said average per-employee health benefit costs are expected to rise 8.2% in 2027.
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