High-deductible health plans and mortality among cancer survivors

JAMA Network Open

2026-01-29

(Press-News.org) About The Study: In this cross-sectional study of nationwide population-based data, high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) were associated with worse overall survival and cancer-specific survival among cancer survivors. However, HDHPs were not associated with mortality in adults without history of cancer. These data suggest that insurance coverage that financially discourages medical care may financially discourage necessary care and ultimately worsen cancer outcomes.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Justin M. Barnes, MD, MS, email barnes.justin@mayo.edu.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.56451)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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About JAMA Network Open: JAMA Network Open is an online-only open access general medical journal from the JAMA Network. On weekdays, the journal publishes peer-reviewed clinical research and commentary in more than 40 medical and health subject areas. Every article is free online from the day of publication.

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High-deductible health plans and mortality among cancer survivors

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