High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are associated with worse outcomes for cancer patients.[1] Researchers found that cancer patients who had high deductibles were more likely to die compared to similar patients without this type of insurance.[1] The average deductible for health plans has risen from about $300 in 2006 to nearly $1,700 today.[1] Patients with high deductibles often face huge medical bills that lead to debt and other problems.[1] Oncologist from M.D. The Anderson Cancer Center emphasizes that it is unrealistic to expect cancer patients to compare the prices of complex care such as surgery or chemotherapy when faced with a diagnosis of a potentially fatal disease.[1] Cancer patients with high deductibles are often overwhelmed with large medical bills shortly after diagnosis, preventing them from accessing the treatment they need.