A method and system is provided for convergence of multiple independent applications
into a single payment vehicle. In the context of a medical procedure, the invention
provides for the convergence of medical/dental insurance with at least one secondary
payment source to effect payment for the entire procedure. Through the instant
invention insurance benefit information can be determined and funds blocked, then
secondary payment source(s) can be utilized to effect payment of the insurance
co-payment amount. The use of Smart Card technology enables the convergence at
the point of sale of information about multiple applications/payment sources (i.e.
insurance plan and secondary payment plan) that are processed to determine the
amount of payment to be received from each source.