The influence of insurance status on treatment and outcomes in oral cavity cancer: an analysis on 46,373 patients

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of insurance status on treatment and outcomes in oral cavity cancer. Patients were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Data were collected and analyzed using χ2 tests, Kaplan-Meier methods, and multivariable Cox regression models. Those uninsured or on Medicaid were more likely to be younger (P < 0.001), minority race (P < 0.001), have a lower median household income (P < 0.001), lower educational attainment (P < 0.001), not undergo primary resection (P < 0.001), present with higher T (P < 0.001), N (P < 0.001), and M (P < 0.001) stage of disease, and have a higher tumor grade (P < 0.001). On univariate analysis, those with private insurance had significantly better overall survival than those uninsured (hazard ratio (HR) 1.481), under Medicaid (HR 2.006), or on Medicare (HR 1.921). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, insurance status remained an independent prognosticator even after accounting for multiple demographic, socioeconomic, treatment, and clinicopathological factors. These data suggest that insurance status is associated with treatment and outcomes in patients with oral cavity cancer. Being uninsured or on Medicaid was found to be associated with a higher risk of a poorer prognosis when compared to private insurance, and the data suggest the need to expand comprehensive medical coverage and optimize access to adequate medical care in vulnerable patient populations.