By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-916812.mp3
Buffalo, NY – State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating health care credit cards after getting hundreds of complaints from consumers.
At a news conference at his Buffalo office Wednesday, Cuomo said the CareCredit cards offered by GE Money are often pushed by health care providers, who can get rebates from the company based on how much patients charge to the card. He says that creates a conflict of interest.
Cuomo says consumers are sometimes charged up front for services they don't receive and have trouble getting refunds.
"Health care debt is the number one cause of individual bankruptcy, and this scheme is contributing to the economic burden being felt by consumers," Cuomo said. "People are being tricked by misleading offers that have them paying for services they never received as well as interest charges they never knew about -- and they are ignored and given the runaround when they try to get their money back."
Cuomo's office has issued subpoenas to ten providers who promote the credit card and is asking medical associations to explain why they endorse it.