People with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) face a greater risk of death after a cancer diagnosis, according to a new study in JAMA Network Open. Those enrolled in HDHPs had a 46% higher risk of death overall and 34% higher cancer-specific risk compared to patients with standard plans.

The study analyzed data from over 147,000 participants, including nearly 9,800 cancer patients. Researchers adjusted for demographics and health status, and found that HDHP enrollees delayed care due to cost, directly impacting survival. Even having a health savings account did not improve outcomes for cancer patients.

With ACA marketplace premiums surging and more enrollees turning to cheaper bronze plans with high deductibles, the findings highlight a growing public health concern. Experts warn that expanding HDHPs could worsen cancer outcomes, especially as affordability barriers increase and tax credits remain unstable.

These results come amid rising healthcare costs and shrinking insurance benefits. Critics argue that HDHPs shift financial risk onto patients, with potentially fatal consequences. Policymakers may need to reevaluate incentives driving HDHP proliferation in employer and individual markets.