July 29, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livingston HealthCare Announces New Patient Payment Process Through Partnership with ClearBalance
Livingston, MT)— Beginning August 10, Livingston HealthCare will implement a new patient payment process through a partnership with ClearBalance®, a company that specializes in healthcare payment programs. The partnership is part of Livingston HealthCare's ongoing commitment to balancing compassionate patient care with responsible financial stewardship, ensuring the organization can continue providing high-quality healthcare services for years to come.
Healthcare financing has changed dramatically in recent years, affecting both patients and healthcare providers. More individuals and families are enrolled in high-deductible health plans, leaving patients responsible for a larger share of their medical expenses. At the same time, changes to Medicaid eligibility and the expiration of enhanced health insurance tax credits are expected to increase the number of uninsured and underinsured patients seeking care. These shifts have placed increasing financial pressure on hospitals across the country, particularly independent rural hospitals like Livingston HealthCare.
As an independent, community-owned, not-for-profit healthcare organization, Livingston HealthCare is committed to caring for every patient who comes through its doors. At the same time, the hospital must recover the cost of providing care in order to sustain services, invest in new technology, recruit providers, maintain critical healthcare programs, and expand access to healthcare for the communities it serves.
Historically, Livingston HealthCare has worked with patients to establish individualized payment arrangements for outstanding medical balances. While this approach has helped many patients over the years, it has also resulted in accounts remaining open for extended periods of time, sometimes for many years, leaving significant balances unpaid.
"Providing exceptional healthcare means being good fiscal stewards of the resources entrusted to us," said Matt Groenig, Chief Financial Officer of Livingston HealthCare. "This change is about creating a more sustainable and consistent process for managing patient balances while ensuring Livingston HealthCare remains financially strong enough to continue investing in the healthcare needs of our community."
Beginning August 10, eligible patient balances will begin transitioning to the ClearBalance program. Through ClearBalance, patients will work directly with the company to establish structured repayment plans for their medical expenses. The program provides dedicated account management, convenient monthly payments, online account access, and customer support designed specifically for healthcare accounts.
Structured patient payment programs have become increasingly common throughout the healthcare industry as hospitals adapt to rising patient financial responsibility and increasing pressures on rural healthcare organizations. Similar programs are already used by many hospitals and health systems nationally, including several healthcare organizations in our region, as a way to provide patients with established repayment options while supporting the long-term sustainability of local healthcare services.
Livingston HealthCare recognizes this represents a change for many patients and is committed to communicating openly throughout the transition.
"We understand conversations about medical bills can be difficult," said Matt "Our goal is to make sure patients understand what is changing, why we're making this change, and where to get their questions answered. We remain committed to partnering with patients and treating everyone with compassion and respect."
Importantly, Livingston HealthCare's Financial Assistance Program will continue to be available for patients who qualify. The partnership with ClearBalance does not replace financial assistance and does not change the hospital's commitment to helping eligible patients access the care they need regardless of their financial circumstances.
Over the coming weeks, Livingston HealthCare will provide additional information to patients through mailed communications, its website, and patient education materials to help explain the transition and answer frequently asked questions.
Livingston HealthCare recognizes that this transition may raise questions and encourages patients to reach out to Patient Financial Services at 406.823.6414 or visit LivingstonHealthCare.org for additional information.
About Livingston HealthCare: Livingston HealthCare, in Livingston, Montana, is a not-for-profit, 25-bed critical access hospital with a Level 4 Community Trauma Facility, a multispecialty provider clinic, as well as rehabilitation, and home-based services. www.LivingstonHealthCare.org
CONTACT:
Kara Wickstrom, Marketing Strategist and Public Relations Supervisor
Kara.Wickstrom@LivingstonHealthCare.org 406.823.6261
