High-Deductible Health Plans Linked to Worse Cancer Outcomes

Study finds cancer patients with high-deductible plans have lower survival rates.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that people with high-deductible health insurance plans who are diagnosed with cancer have worse overall and cancer-specific survival compared to those with more standard health plans. The findings highlight the risks of high out-of-pocket costs for critical medical care, especially as more Americans turn to high-deductible plans due to rising healthcare prices and the loss of Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Why it matters

The study underscores the potentially life-threatening consequences of high-deductible health plans, which are becoming increasingly common as healthcare costs continue to rise. As more people, particularly those relying on ACA marketplace plans, are forced to choose high-deductible options to offset premium hikes, the study suggests these plans may lead cancer patients to delay or forgo necessary treatment, with dire outcomes.

The details

Researchers defined high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) as those with individual deductibles of at least $1,200-$1,350 or family deductibles of $2,400-$2,700 between 2011-2018. For context, the average individual deductible for an ACA bronze plan in 2026 is around $7,500. The study found that cancer patients with these high-deductible plans had worse overall survival and cancer-specific survival compared to those with more standard health plans.

  • The study analyzed data from 2011 to 2018.
  • The average individual deductible for an ACA bronze plan in 2026 is around $7,500.

The players

Justin Barnes

Researcher at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and lead author of the study.

JAMA Network Open

The medical journal that published the study on the impacts of high-deductible health plans on cancer patients.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This study highlights the serious health risks associated with high-deductible health plans, especially for vulnerable populations like cancer patients who require extensive and costly medical care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, policymakers and insurers must carefully weigh the tradeoffs between affordability and adequate coverage to ensure all Americans can access the care they need without risking their lives.