The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network analyzed costs associated with cancer care for patients with various insurance types, including large employer-sponsored plans, individual marketplace plans and Medicare.
Overall, cancer-related spending cost the U.S. economy about $183 billion in 2015. This figure is expected to hit $246 billion by 2030, marking a 34 percent projected increase, according to the report.
The estimated average annual out-of-pocket costs for a cancer patient was:
- $6,446 with a large employer plan
- $8,684 with Medicare
- $10,747 with a small employer high deductible health plan
- $12,931 with an individual marketplace plan
- $51,660 with a short-term, limited duration plan
“Research shows that paying $5,000 or $10,000 out of pocket — often within a span of only one to three months — is extremely challenging, even under the best-case scenario,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said in a news release. “This report shows just how important it is that patients have access to affordable, comprehensive health coverage.”
To view the full report, click here.
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