Privately Insured Adults Under Age 65 Newly Diagnosed With Cancer Face Average Out-Of-Pocket Health Care Cost Increase Of $592 Per Month During First Six Months

A new diagnosis of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lung cancer among privately insured adults under age 65 was associated with an average increase in out-of-pocket (OOP) health care costs of $592.53 per month during the six months after diagnosis, according to a recent study. The OOP costs were higher for those whose cancer stages were of greater severity. The researchers said that further work is needed to determine the clinical and financial effects of increased OOP health care costs for those with cancer. 

The researchers analyzed administrative claims data of a large national insurer linked to . . .