Nearly half (49%) of patients with cancer and cancer survivors report being burdened by medical debt, alongside some (13%) who report expecting to incur medical debt as part of their treatment plan, according to a new Survivor Views survey conducted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). Interestingly, nearly all respondents who reported medical debt were insured when said debt occurred—98%.
The data were collected between March 18 and April 14, 2024. A total of 1,284 cohort participants responded to the survey. Differences reported between groups are tested for statistical significance at a 95% confidence interval.
Among those with cancer-related medical debt, nearly half (49%) have carried more than $5,000 in debt, a majority (69%) of whom have carried this debt for more than a year. Respondents also reported most commonly owing their medical debt to a hospital (76%).
“The findings present a grim picture where the burden of medical debt is a common occurrence following a cancer diagnosis—even amongst those who are insured,” said Lisa Lacasse, President of ACS CAN. “This shouldn’t be our nation’s reality. The data further reiterate the urgent need for Congress as well as state lawmakers to all work to enact policy solutions to reduce the massive impact of medical debt by both preventing it altogether and helping families who are already facing medical debt.”
The financial and health implications of medical debt for patients with cancer and survivors are severe. According to the survey, an individual with cancer-related medical debt was three times more likely to be behind on recommended cancer screenings in comparison to those who have been able to pay for their care without accumulating debt. Nearly half (49%) saw their credit score decrease, with 30% having difficulty qualifying for loans.
Cancer-related medical debt is also not felt equally and further deepens racial disparities. Black (13%) and Hispanic (14%) patients and survivors with medical debt were twice as likely as White respondents to report being denied care due to their debt. Black respondents were also more likely to report being contacted by collections agencies (66%) and to feel harassed by them (44%).
“The far-reaching impacts of medical debt on people's health and well-being are especially worrisome,” added Ms. Lacasse. “As we continue to see state lawmakers across the nation step up to address the issue, it’s important our federal lawmakers also work toward advancing legislation that would be lifesaving for families touched by cancer—no matter where they live.”
