Association of Medicare eligibility with access to and affordability of care among older cancer survivors.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Older cancer survivors have substantial needs for ongoing care, but they may encounter difficulties accessing care due to cost concerns. We examined whether near-universal insurance coverage through Medicare-a key source of health insurance coverage in this population-is associated with improvements in care access and affordability among older cancer survivors around age 65.

Methods

In a nationally representative sample of cancer survivors (aged 50-80) from 2006-2018 National Health Interview Survey, we employed a quasi-experimental, regression discontinuity design to estimate changes in insurance coverage, delayed/skipped care due to cost, and worries about or problems paying medical bills at age 65.

Results

Medicare coverage sharply increased from 8.3% at ag

SUBMITTER: Kwon Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11417130 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature