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12.10.2018 | Original Article

Out-of-pocket-payments and the financial burden of 502 cancer patients of working age in Germany: results from a longitudinal study

verfasst von: Matthias Büttner, Hans-Helmut König, Margrit Löbner, Susanne Briest, Alexander Konnopka, Andreas Dietz, Steffi Riedel-Heller, Susanne Singer

Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Ausgabe 6/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

Cancer patients in Germany often face payments related to their disease or treatment which are not covered by their health insurance. The aim of this study was to analyze the amount of out-of-pocket payments (OOPPs) among cancer patients in Germany, to explore potential socioeconomic determinants of OOPPs, and to identify how cancer patients are burdened by these payments.

Methods

Cancer ptients were consecutively enrolled in 16 clinics in Leipzig, Germany. Data on OOPPs for the past 3 months and on socioeconomic status were obtained at the end of their hospital stay (t0) and 3 (t1) and 15 months (t2) after t0. Financial burden was calculated by dividing the monthly OOPPs by the midpoint of the income category, and the perceived burden was assessed by using the financial difficulties scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30. A two-part regression model was used to estimate the determinants of OOPPs.

Results

At baseline (t0), 502 cancer patients participated in the study and provided data on OOPPs and socioeconomic status. The mean 3-month OOPPs were the following: €205.8 at baseline, €179.2 at t1, and €148.1 at t2. Compared to the lowest income group (< €500 monthly), all other income groups (€500–999, €1000–1499, and ≥ €1500) had higher 3-month OOPPs of €52.3 (p = 0.241), €90.2 (p = 0.059), or €62.2 (p = 0.176). Financial burden at t0 was 6.4% (SD 9.2%) on average, 5.4% (SD 9.9%) at t1, and to 3.9% (SD 7.0%) of monthly income at t2.

Conclusion

German cancer patients face relatively high OOPPs during their cancer journey. These payments may burden cancer patients, especially certain subgroups like low-income groups.

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Titel: Out-of-pocket-payments and the financial burden of 502 cancer patients of working age in Germany: results from a longitudinal study
verfasst von: Matthias Büttner
Hans-Helmut König
Margrit Löbner
Susanne Briest
Alexander Konnopka
Andreas Dietz
Steffi Riedel-Heller
Susanne Singer
Publikationsdatum: 12.10.2018
Verlag: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Ausgabe 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Elektronische ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4498-1

Springer Medizin

Out-of-pocket-payments and the financial burden of 502 cancer patients of working age in Germany: results from a longitudinal study