TL/DR –
A survey from the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network revealed that nearly all cancer patients burdened with debt also had insurance coverage, emphasizing the excessive cost of cancer care in the U.S. Almost half of the patients reported medical debt related to their cancer treatment, with half of these carrying debt exceeding $5,000. The survey also highlighted that Black and Hispanic patients with medical debt were about twice as likely to report being denied care due to their debt compared to white respondents.
Insurance Not Enough to Ward Off Cancer Treatment Debt, Finds Study
A recent survey by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network revealed that almost all cancer patients faced with debt were insured, pointing to the high-cost of cancer care in the US.
The study, based on responses from nearly 1,300 cancer patients, indicated that 47% of participants had medical debt resulting from their cancer treatment, with half owing more than $5,000. Of those in debt, 98% had insurance when the debt began.
“This shows coverage is not enough,” stated Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society. The study also noted that medical debt could lead to delayed or skipped medication, impacting patients’ health and lifestyle.
The study further highlighted the racial disparity in medical debt. Black and Hispanic patients were twice as likely as white respondents to report denial of care due to their debt. Almost three-quarters of cancer patients aged 35 to 44 carried medical debt, affecting their job opportunities and life choices.
Dr. Fumiko Chino, a radiation oncologist, emphasizes the affordability gap in cancer care. “We have millions of patients making excruciating decisions between their life and their life savings.”
Arthur Caplan, head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center, pointed out that those with high deductible health plans were more likely to face this financial burden, highlighting that insurance coverage is not always sufficient.
Knudsen stressed the significance of early cancer detection for both improved health outcomes and cost reduction.
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