NAB owned HICAPS acquires digital health payment platform

HICAPS has acquired digital health claiming technology business LanternPay, this deal is part of the bank’s wider strategy to digitise banking for its customers.

HICAPS entered into a sale and purchase agreement with InLoop to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in Lantern Claims which operates LanternPay.

According to NAB, the deal is expected to enhance the HICAPS payment process for Australians, saving time, simplifying administration and increasing payment options when visiting a healthcare provider.

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LanternPay operates a digital claim payments platform for the healthcare, disability, insurance and aged care sectors. It has been purpose-built to standardise the claims and payment experience for all providers of services to government and private healthcare schemes, including private health insurers, state workers and accident insurance, Medicare and the NDIS.

Andrew Irvine, group executive for business and private bank said, simplifying payments for the growing healthcare sector would be a huge step forward for everyone.

“The healthcare sector is already one of the country’s largest providers of employment, and the fifth largest contributor to Australia’s GDP. Australian healthcare payment systems have been cumbersome – resulting in disjointed payment experiences for patients and complexity for healthcare providers.

“Integrating NAB’s HICAPS with LanternPay technology will over time deliver a seamless digital customer experience — with real-time approvals and faster payments for medical, allied health and other providers."

“Customers who previously might have waited days for a reimbursement from the NDIS for example, will now receive this payment on the spot. For many Australians, this will be an absolute game changer.”

Geoff Austen, Managing Director for InLoop said, “The decision to partner with NAB is an exciting move for the LanternPay team. NAB’s more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare sector combined with our leading payments technology means that more Australians will benefit from simple transactions when they visit the dentist, doctor or therapist.”

Following completion of the proposed acquisition, LanternPay will become part of NAB’s health specialisation in Business and Private Banking, and be integrated into HICAPS, which has been managing claims and payments for over 20 years.

With completion of the proposed transaction, digital HICAPS will be rolled out across Australia throughout 2022.