Supporting Low-income Cancer Patients: Recommendations for the Public Financial Aid Program in the Republic of Korea / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지
Cancer Research and Treatment
;
: 1074-1083, 2018.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-717456
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
As the recent term of “financial toxicity” implies, cancer causes a treatment-related financial harm. Financial Aid Program for Cancer Patient (FAPCP) is a government’s financial support for low-income patients in the Republic of Korea. This study aimed to describe FAPCP applicants’ condition and to investigate factors influencing financial burden, which would provide the basis for implementing a strategy for FAPCP administration. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
The telephone survey results from 2,700 FAPCP participants were analyzed, including demographic, socioeconomic, and disease characteristics and experiences associated with financial burden and the actions or measures to cope with them.RESULTS:
Overall, 87.6% experienced financial burden more than moderate degree, 39.2% got financial help/a loan, 17.8% disposed of their property, and 10.2% changed or stopped treatment owing to medical costs. Monthly household income was connected to financial burden, and the highest income group was associated with the lowest financial burden (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11 to 0.38) and the lowest rate of changing/stopping care (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.05 to 1.00). Parents of childhood cancer patients got financial help/a loan (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.03 to 4.88) and disposed of their property (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.40 to 7.22) more frequently, and Medical Aids applicants showed the highest rate of changing/stopping care (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.89 to 4.78).CONCLUSION:
FAPCP targets low income groups; however, financial burden and the consequent actions taken still exist disproportionately, depending on the income of the applicants. FAPCP should focus on more vulnerable groups including Medical Aid applicants and parents of childhood cancer patients, by increasing funds and expanding their support coverage.
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Parents
/
Public Assistance
/
Telephone
/
Financial Support
/
Family Characteristics
/
Health Care Costs
/
Republic of Korea
/
Financial Management
Type of study:
Health economic evaluation
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Cancer Research and Treatment
Year:
2018
Type:
Article
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