A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found that having a health insurance plan with a high deductible could literally kill you. Researchers at Mayo Clinic analyzed data from over 147,000 people and discovered that those who had high-deductible plans (HDHPs) - which have deductibles of at least $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for families - were more likely to die prematurely compared to those on standard health insurance plans.
The study's findings are particularly alarming when it comes to cancer patients. Those with HDHPs had a 46% higher risk of death and a 34% higher risk of dying from cancer specifically compared to those on standard deductibles. The researchers also found that the presence of a health savings account (HSA) did not mitigate this increased risk.
The study's lead author, Justin Barnes, notes that while HDHPs may be attractive in terms of lower monthly premiums, they can have disastrous consequences for people who need medical care most - like cancer patients. The researchers are calling for policy changes to address the risks associated with high-deductible plans and ensure that people have access to affordable healthcare.
This raises a critical question: what price is too high to pay for health insurance? As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, more Americans are being forced to choose between affording medical care or paying their bills. The consequences can be deadly.
The study's findings are particularly alarming when it comes to cancer patients. Those with HDHPs had a 46% higher risk of death and a 34% higher risk of dying from cancer specifically compared to those on standard deductibles. The researchers also found that the presence of a health savings account (HSA) did not mitigate this increased risk.
The study's lead author, Justin Barnes, notes that while HDHPs may be attractive in terms of lower monthly premiums, they can have disastrous consequences for people who need medical care most - like cancer patients. The researchers are calling for policy changes to address the risks associated with high-deductible plans and ensure that people have access to affordable healthcare.
This raises a critical question: what price is too high to pay for health insurance? As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, more Americans are being forced to choose between affording medical care or paying their bills. The consequences can be deadly.
. Like what's the point of having a plan if u gonna end up dead? It seems like these HDHPs r more like health death plans 
. And honestly, I feel bad 4 all those cancer patients who cant afford the treatment they need cuz their high deductible is killin them 
. We need 2 rethink our healthcare system ASAP! 
It's crazy to think that for people with cancer, it's like, game over if they don't have the cash to pay those deductibles. And HSA's didn't even help 
. I feel bad for these people, it's just so unfair. The price of health insurance is already steep enough without having to worry about potentially dying because you can't afford treatment 
. Like, what's the point of having insurance if it's not gonna protect you? 