Evolution of health care utilization and expenditure during the year before death in 2015 among people with cancer: French snds-based cohort study

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients have one of the highest health care expenditures (HCE) at the end of life. However, the growth of HCE at the end of life remains poorly documented in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To describe monthly reimbursed expenditure during the last year of life among cancer patients, by performing detailed analysis according to type of expenditure and the person’s age. METHOD: Data were derived from the Système national des données en santé (SNDS) [national health data system], which comprises information on ambulatory and hospital care. Analyses focused on general scheme beneficiaries (77% of the French population) treated for cancer who died in 2015. RESULTS: Average reimbursed expenditure during the last year of life was €34,300 per person in 2015, including €21,100 (62%) for hospital expenditure. "Short-stays hospital" and "rehabilitation units" stays expenditure were €14,700 and €2000, respectively. Monthly expenditure increased regularly towards the end of life, increasing from 12 months before death €2000 to €5200 1 month before death. The highest levels of expenditure did not concern the oldest people, as average reimbursed expenditure was €50,300 for people 18–59 years versus €25,600 for people 80–90 years. Out-of-pocket payments varied only slightly according to age, but increased towards the end of life. CONCLUSION: A marked growth of HCE was observed during the last 4 months of life, mainly driven by hospital expenditure, with a more marked growth for younger people. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10198-021-01304-1.