Cross-sectional analysis of outcomes of American Indian and Alaska Native populations with cancer in traditional Medicare

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) patients represent a vulnerable population in the USA. A multiyear cross-sectional analysis of a near population of traditional medicare (TM) beneficiaries using Medicare beneficiary summary files and prescription drug event linked claims for 2016 to 2023 analyzed utilization, spending, and mortality outcomes for AIAN beneficiaries with cancer. In 2023, there were 13 291 AIAN-identifying individuals with cancer, who had a nearly double (12.4%) all-cause mortality rate, the highest spending per capita ($ 32 775) and elevated rates (31.6% versus 22.7%) of inpatient care utilization compared with the general TM population. The authors conclude that these findings suggest AIAN populations with cancer covered by TM faced marked health disparities from 2016 to 2023.