GoFundMe has evolved from a platform for funding personal dreams and aspirations to a go-to platform for individuals seeking financial assistance to cover medical expenses. According to a study, the number of medical-related campaigns on GoFundMe in the US increased 25 times between 2011 and 2020. The platform has become normalized as part of the healthcare system, with patients resorting to crowdfunding to pay for expensive treatments or procedures. In some cases, patient advocates and hospital financial aid officers even recommend GoFundMe as an alternative to collections. The reliance on GoFundMe for medical expenses is so significant that “medical expenses” is the most common category of fundraisers on the platform. However, the success of campaigns on GoFundMe tends to perpetuate socioeconomic disparities, favoring those who are already well-off or have influential connections. Despite its noble intentions, GoFundMe is a for-profit company and cannot be the solution to complex systemic problems in the healthcare system. Most campaigns on GoFundMe fall short of their fundraising goals, and there is evidence that yields have worsened over time. While GoFundMe provides temporary relief for some individuals, it is not a sustainable solution to the high cost of healthcare in the US.
The Emergence of GoFundMe as a Vital Healthcare Resource
