Association of patient-reported financial barriers with healthcare utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with a history of cancer

Purpose We examined characteristics associated with financial barriers to healthcare and the association of financial barriers with adverse healthcare events among US adult cancer survivors enrolled in Medicare. Methods We used nationally representative Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data (2011–2013, 2015–2017) to identify adults with a history of non-skin cancer. We defined financial barriers as cost-related trouble accessing and/or delayed care in the prior year. Using propensity-weighted multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between financial barriers and adverse healthcare events (any ED visits, any inpatient hospitalizations). Results Overall, 11.0% of adult Medicare beneficiaries with a history of cancer reported financial barriers in the prior year, with higher burden among beneficiaries