As if battling cancer wasn’t difficult enough, a groundbreaking new report from CancerCare®, titled The Health Insurance Maze, reveals that an overwhelming 85% of cancer patients face debilitating insurance hurdles that delay life-saving treatment. Released on June 10, 2025, this national survey of 1,201 adults paints a troubling picture of how “prior authorization” requirements by insurance companies—meant to control costs—are instead costing patients valuable time, peace of mind, and in some cases, survival itself.

When Time Is Life: Prior Authorization’s Deadly Toll

The findings underscore a harsh reality: while 95% of insurance requests are eventually approved, 40% of patients still experienced treatment delays, and 29% faced diagnostic setbacks. These delays are not mere inconveniences—they can profoundly affect outcomes for those fighting aggressive cancers.

“For people with cancer, delays and denials caused by utilization management can mean the difference between life and death,” said Christine Verini, CEO of CancerCare. “Behind every policy is a person fighting for their life.”

Stress, Cost, and Lost Time: The Hidden Costs of “Red Tape”

Utilization management—insurance company policies that require pre-approval for treatments—has become a time-consuming and emotionally draining process for cancer patients and their families:

51% lost a full business day navigating a single authorization

27% lost 2–3 days, and 12% spent a week or more

36% reported increased stress, 34% faced worsened financial conditions, and 29% lost trust in the healthcare system

These barriers are especially burdensome for patients with employer-sponsored insurance, 87% of whom encountered prior authorizations in the past year—far more than those with Medicare Advantage (72%) or Traditional Medicare (57%).

“These policies often create dangerous delays and stress,” said Dr. Alexandra Zaleta, lead author and Associate VP of Research and Insights at CancerCare. “Policymakers and insurers must streamline these processes so patients can focus on treatment, not red tape.”

Calls for Reform and Awareness

CancerCare is using these findings to advocate for immediate reforms to insurance processes that hinder access to timely care. The organization calls on healthcare leaders, insurance providers, and lawmakers to rethink how they manage approvals for critical, time-sensitive treatments.

📊 Download the full report at www.cancercare.org/redtape
📢 Join the movement to protect patients from life-threatening administrative delays

About CancerCare®

For more than 80 years, CancerCare has been a beacon of hope for people affected by cancer, providing free counseling, resource navigation, support groups, financial assistance, and advocacy. Through its Mocha Podcasts Network, national reports, and patient-first initiatives, CancerCare continues to elevate the voices of patients navigating a fragmented healthcare system.

In a healthcare landscape that often feels impersonal and inaccessible, this report is a wake-up call. It reminds us that every delay, every denial, and every lost day matters. For Black and underserved communities—already disproportionately impacted by healthcare disparities—these findings are particularly urgent. Houston Style Magazine stands with the call for change, equity, and compassion in cancer care.

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