Crowdfunding for Healthcare: A Lifeline or a Toxic Band-Aid?

The soaring costs of healthcare in the United States have pushed many people to turn to medical crowdfunding as a way to cover their expenses. This concept is simple: use your social network to raise funds for expensive medical treatments or long-term illnesses. Millions of Americans have started crowdfunding campaigns to help with their medical bills, and many more have donated to these campaigns, with GoFundMe being the most popular platform for this purpose.

While medical crowdfunding can be a lifeline for those who need financial assistance, it also has its drawbacks. Professor Nora Kenworthy, a nursing and health studies expert at the University of Washington Bothell, has been studying the world of crowdfunding for healthcare for years. She has observed how these campaigns can exacerbate existing inequities in the healthcare system, ultimately leading to more people falling into medical debt. In her upcoming book “Crowded Out: The True Costs of Crowdfunding Healthcare,” Kenworthy delves into the toxicities that underlie these crowdfunding campaigns and the moral dilemmas faced by potential donors.

In an interview with STAT, Kenworthy discussed her research and the challenges that arise when people consider donating to medical crowdfunding campaigns. The interview highlights the complexities of relying on crowdfunding for healthcare expenses and sheds light on the larger concerns surrounding access to affordable health care in the United States.

The rising costs of healthcare in America are putting a strain on many families’ finances. Medical crowdfunding offers a way to share these burdens with others through social networks, but it’s not without its risks and challenges. As researcher Nora Kenworthy points out, relying on crowd-funded donations can widen existing health disparities and create more debt for those already struggling financially.

Kenworthy’s upcoming book examines these issues in detail, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by potential donors and examining how campaign creators may exploit vulnerabilities in society.

In her interview with STAT, Kenworthy spoke about how she had seen firsthand how medical crowdfunding can be used as a last resort by those struggling financially.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Kenworthy. “People are turning to crowdfunding because they’re exhausted from fighting insurance companies or trying to pay their bills.”

She also spoke about how these campaigns can perpetuate existing inequities in healthcare.

“When you rely on crowdfunded donations, you’re relying on people who may not be able to afford it,” said Kenworthy.

Kenworthy believes that while medical crowdfunding can provide much-needed support for some individuals and families, it should not be relied upon as a primary source of funding for healthcare expenses.