Having that high-deductible health plan might kill you, literally

A cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event, and new research suggests that the type of health insurance a person has could significantly impact their chances of survival. A study recently published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with high-deductible health plans and a cancer diagnosis experienced worse overall survival and cancer-specific survival compared to those with more standard health plans.

The Cost of Delaying Care

The findings underscore the difficult choices many Americans face as healthcare costs continue to rise. More and more individuals are opting for insurance plans with higher deductibles—meaning they must pay more out-of-pocket before their insurance coverage begins—in an attempt to lower monthly premiums.

Did You Know? Researchers in the study defined “high-deductible health plans” (HDHPs) as those with deductibles of at least $1,200 to $1,350 for individuals or $2,400 to $2,700 for families between 2011 and 2018.

Previous data indicates that high out-of-pocket costs often lead people to postpone or forgo necessary medical care, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments. Researchers led by Justin Barnes at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, sought to determine if these plans were directly linked to decreased survival rates, particularly among cancer patients.

ACA Marketplace Challenges

This issue is particularly pressing for those obtaining insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Monthly premiums for ACA plans have more than doubled this year after Congress failed to extend critical tax credits. Early enrollment data for 2026 suggests fewer people are signing up, and those who are enrolling are increasingly choosing bronze plans.

Bronze plans are known for being high-deductible plans. As of 2026, the average individual deductible for an ACA bronze plan is approximately $7,500, according to KFF.

Expert Insight: The study highlights a troubling trade-off: while high-deductible plans may offer lower monthly premiums, they could potentially lead to delayed care and poorer health outcomes, especially for individuals facing serious illnesses like cancer.

The study’s findings raise concerns about the potential consequences of prioritizing short-term cost savings over access to timely and comprehensive healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the study examine?

The study examined whether people with high-deductible health plans and a cancer diagnosis had different survival rates compared to those with more standard health plans.

Why are ACA plan prices increasing?

ACA plan prices have increased because Congress failed to extend critical tax credits, causing monthly premiums to more than double on average.

What type of plans are people choosing on the ACA marketplace?

Early data suggests that those enrolling in ACA plans are often choosing bronze plans, which are high-deductible plans.

How might these trends evolve? It is possible that, if premium costs continue to rise and tax credits remain unavailable, even more individuals may opt for high-deductible plans, potentially exacerbating the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Alternatively, increased public awareness of these risks could lead to calls for policy changes aimed at making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Further research may also be conducted to explore the long-term effects of high-deductible plans on various health conditions.