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Pilot Study in Investigating Material Financial Toxicity Markers by Age in Cancer Patients.

Pilot Study in Investigating Material Financial Toxicity Markers by Age in Cancer Patients.

Authors :
Skinner, Amber
Buhlmann, Melanie
Fridley, Brooke L.
Reed, Damon R.
Vicedo, Deborah
Mason, Neil T.
Source :
Journal of Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology. Feb2023, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p34-42. 9p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Purpose: Studies have shown that financial toxicity can reduce survival, decrease quality of life, and reduce compliance with treatments. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate material markers of financial toxicity, including insurance coverage, financial assistance, and balances due among adolescent and young adult (AYA) (18–39), adult (40–64), and senior adult (>65) patients with a sarcoma diagnosis after the Affordable Care Act became effective. Methods: This study performed a retrospective analysis of possible indicators within the material domain of financial toxicity in sarcoma patients, a common diagnosis in young adult patients. Indicators of financial toxicity included: insurance status and number of insurances, charity care, accessing financing options, or having an unpaid balance referred to a collection's agency. Results: The cumulative charges per patient were similar between AYA, adult, and senior adult populations at an average of $194,329 (standard deviation [SD] = $321,425), $236,724 (SD = $368,345), and $188,030 (SD = $271,191), respectively. AYA patients were more likely than adult and senior adult patients to have Medicaid coverage (income-based government insurance) (22.1% vs. 8.4% vs. 1.2%), receive charity care (5.3% vs. 2.6% vs. 1.2%), or have a balance referred to a collection's agency (9.2% vs. 5.8% vs. 1.2%). Conclusions: This study suggests that younger cancer patients are more likely to suffer material financial strain and additional financial resources may need to be made available to ensure they can receive care without an increase of financial toxicity markers and undue financial stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
21565333
Volume :
12
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
161898007
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/jayao.2022.0011