Health insurance in its way to combat financial crisis in breast cancer treatment

ABSTRACT

Background: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, along with its diagnosis it brings disarray and economic burden on family. Its treatment is costliest compared to any other cancers. Health policies and health insurances are introduced to bridge the gap between patients and quality cancer care. We aim to understand the level to which health insurance help the breast cancer patients in reducing economic burden due to cancer Methodology: Cross sectional study done in Justice K.S Hegde Hospital in month June, 2018 to August, 2018 with participants being patients with breast cancer. Patients were contacted over the phone and a questionnaire was introduced to those willing to talk on their economic expenditure. Results: 73% of people had insurance to treat breast cancer of which 52% had advantage of Vajpayee Arogya Shree. 24% of people had insurance paid fully for treatment and 34% received partially, it reduced their burden by 51-75%. 46% of people had the cost >1 lakh for treatment which could be burden for 27% who didn’t have insurance, and this was among patients from neighboring state for treatment. Conclusions: Insurance reducing the burden is ensured; but choice of hospital for treatment is not with the patient, which is a burden.