-MetaBank® recently entered into an agreement with ClearBalance®, the healthcare industry's leading provider of consumer-friendly patient loans. The Sioux Falls-based financial services company will provide financing for a number of ClearBalance's consumer-friendly loan programs. This partnership will help bring financial solutions to an industry in great need. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 70% of Americans who struggle with healthcare debt have insurance. ClearBalance services more than 4 million patient accounts by partnering with hospitals to provide consumer-centric, affordable care.

"More Americans may have insurance, but that doesn't mean they actually can afford care," says Bruce Haupt, president and CEO of ClearBalance. "High deductible health plans have created a false sense of insurance, and many people are surprised and unprepared to pay their portion of the medical bill. As a result, more healthcare organizations are turning to us to provide consumer-friendly loan programs so individuals can repay their cost of care affordably."

"The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving and many consumers need additional financing options," says MetaBank CEO J. Tyler Haahr. "MetaBank takes great pride in offering inventive and valuable solutions to its partners and customers. We are excited to work with ClearBalance because they are an industry leader in the patient loan financing industry."