Cost seen as big barrier in battle against cancer

WASHINGTON – A new report shows cost can be a major barrier for cancer patients seeking life-saving care, leading to large debts, personal bankruptcy and even delayed treatments, even when they have private health insurance.
The report, produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the American Cancer Society and accompanied by a video documentary, profiles 20 patients to illustrate the challenges people with cancer or other serious illnesses may face.
It highlights five key gaps in the health care system: high cost-sharing and caps on benefits; the potential loss of insurance if a person gets too sick to work; lack of adequate and affordable coverage in the individual market; inadequate high-risk insurance pools; and waiting periods and eligibility restrictions in public programs.
The report, “Spending to Survive: Cancer Patients Confront Holes in the Health Insurance System,” is available online at www.kff.org and www.cancer.org. &#8226