CareCredit is a specialized credit card designed primarily for healthcare expenses. CareCredit plans are typically offered for medical expenses that are not typically included in health insurance plans. This includes services like dental work, cosmetic surgery, dermatology services, and even veterinary care. CareCredit is accepted by a vast network of healthcare providers across the United States. It’s often marketed as a convenient way to manage out-of-pocket healthcare costs, allowing users to pay for medical expenses over time, rather than all at once.
One of the key features of CareCredit is its deferred interest promotions, sometimes called “no interest if paid in full” promotions. These promotions offer an interest-free period (typically 6, 12, 18, or 24 months) during which no interest is charged on the balance. However, if the entire balance is not paid off by the end of the promotional period, interest is charged retroactively from the original date of the purchase at a relatively high annual percentage rate (APR). While these promotions can be beneficial if the balance is paid within the interest-free period, they can become financially burdensome if the balance is not fully paid in time.
Patients who are facing high medical bills may opt for CareCredit without fully understanding the implications of the deferred interest structure. If they fail to pay off the entire balance within the promotional period, they can be hit with high interest charges back-dated to the date of the charge, which can significantly increase the total amount owed. This can be particularly challenging for individuals seeking medical care for themselves, loved ones, or pets, who may already be under financial strain due to health-related expenses.
This claim alleges that CareCredit failed to fully disclose the terms of its deferred interest promotions in clear, easy-to-understand language as required by federal and certain state laws. If you used a CareCredit promotion to pay for a medical, dental, veterinary, or other procedure and were ultimately charged interest, you may qualify for a claim under federal and state lending laws of up to $5,000. Labaton is pursuing arbitration claims against CareCredit and its parent company Synchrony Financial, for violations of the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), as well as state consumer protection laws.