GoFundMe, originally a crowdfunding site for funding ideas and dreams, has now become a popular platform for patients seeking financial assistance for medical bills. According to a study, the number of U.S. campaigns related to medical causes on GoFundMe increased 25 times from 2011 to 2020. The platform is now being normalized as part of the healthcare system, with patients resorting to crowdfunding to pay for expensive treatments and procedures.
The reliance on GoFundMe for medical expenses is so common that patient advocates and hospital financial aid officers often recommend it as an alternative to being sent to collections. However, research shows that GoFundMe tends to perpetuate socioeconomic disparities in healthcare. Campaigns initiated by famous individuals or those with wealthy connections are more likely to succeed compared to campaigns started by middle-class or poor individuals.
Despite its noble intentions, GoFundMe is a privately held for-profit company. The company’s current CEO acknowledges that they cannot be the solution to complex systemic problems in the healthcare system and that meaningful public policy is needed. Additionally, most campaigns on GoFundMe fall short of their fundraising goals, and the average amount raised has worsened over time.
The article highlights the stories of individuals who turned to GoFundMe for help with their medical bills. While the platform provided temporary relief for some, it often falls short of covering the full cost of expensive treatments. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for rethinking and retooling the healthcare system to address the high prices and financial challenges faced by patients.
Note: This article was originally published on Fortune.com and is produced by KFF Health News, a national newsroom that focuses on in-depth journalism about health issues.
