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Minneapolis, MN – A new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open reveals that cancer survivors in the United States face significant financial burdens due to the high cost of essential medical equipment.
The research, conducted by a team at the University of Minnesota Medical School, examined the financial impact of various medical services on cancer survivors, including outpatient care, inpatient care, prescription drugs, and physical therapy. While all these services contribute to healthcare costs, the study found that medical equipment – such as wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids, and oxygen equipment – resulted in the highest percentage of out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
“As the number of cancer survivors continues to rise, so do their unmet needs for medical equipment,” said Dr. Arjun Gupta, assistant professor at the U of M Medical School and a member of the Masonic Cancer Center. “This research highlights critical gaps in access and affordability, which must be addressed to improve cancer survivorship care.”
Key findings of the study include:
- A substantial increase in medical equipment use among cancer survivors between 1999 and 2018, with the prevalence rising from 6.6% to 8.6%.
- Significantly higher out-of-pocket costs for medical equipment compared to other medical services, with patients typically paying 39% of the total cost, exceeding the out-of-pocket share for prescription drugs (9%), outpatient care (4%), and hospitalizations (1%).
The study underscores the financial strain faced by cancer survivors due to limited insurance coverage and complex administrative processes for obtaining medical equipment.
“Streamlining payer coverage and authorization processes, reducing cost-sharing responsibility, and addressing affordability are key policy priorities to ensure equitable access to essential medical equipment for all cancer survivors,” emphasized Dr. Gupta.
This research highlights the critical need for improved access to affordable medical equipment for cancer survivors. Addressing this issue will be crucial in improving the overall quality of life and well-being of this growing population.
