OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the direct medical costs associated with multiple myeloma in the urban Chinese population and identify potential influencing factors.

METHODS: Conducted as a real-world investigation, this research utilizes data from the National Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, covering 95% of the urban Chinese population from 2012 to 2016. Descriptive statistical analysis and a multiple regression model were employed for comprehensive insights.

RESULTS: Over the period 2012-2016, the average annual costs for multiple myeloma patients were $5,422, $4,618, $8,961, $7,903, and $8,267, with the out-of-pocket proportion decreasing from 51.0% to 45.7%. Medication costs as a portion of the total decreased from 67.3% (2012) to 62.3% (2016). Notably, outpatient costs rose significantly from $188 in 2012 to $1,385 in 2016, with a declining out-of-pocket share from 35.3% to 29.5%. Over the period 2012-2016, the average annual hospital stay for multiple myeloma patients was 35.1 days, 32.1 days, 31.8 days, 27.5 days, and 30.9 days, respectively. Concurrently, hospitalization expenditure per capita exhibited an upward trend, increasing from $5,796 in 2012 to $8,778 in 2016. And the proportion of out-of-pocket decreased from 49.1% to 46.2%. Key influencing factors on medical expenditures included the length of hospitalization, health insurance type, hospital level, age (60 to 80 years), geographical location, and cross-province admission patient.

CONCLUSIONS: While the out-of-pocket proportion of direct medical costs for multiple myeloma decreased from 2012 to 2016 in the Chinese urban population, the economic burden remained high and exhibited regional disparities. Medication expenses continued to constitute a significant portion of the overall medical costs for patients. This emphasizes the necessity for focused interventions and policy measures to alleviate the economic challenges faced by multiple myeloma patients, with a specific focus on improving the accessibility and affordability of essential medications.