focus -WSS

focus

author：leisure time 2025-08-23 08:57:19 - browse：72

Five people put coins in a box containing coins and cash on stage — coverage from STAT — Adobe

In the United States, health care costs are so out of control that medical crowdfunding has become commonplace. The idea is simple: turn your social network into a financial safety net to cover the cost of expensive treatments or long illnesses. Millions of Americans have started crowdfunding campaigns for medical bills, and tens of millions have donated to them, mostly through the undisputed sector leader, GoFundMe.

Nora Kenworthy, a nursing and health studies professor at the University of Washington, Bothell, has spent years studying the world of crowdfunding for health care — along with the way it ends up amplifying the inequities that already dictate who goes into medical debt.

In her new book, “Crowded Out: The True Costs of Crowdfunding Healthcare,” which will be released on Tuesday, she looks at what she calls the “toxicities” that drive medical crowdfunding campaigns. STAT spoke with Kenworthy about those issues, as well as the difficult moral decisions potential donors face when deciding whether to contribute. The following interview is condensed and edited for clarity.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

Already have an account? Log in

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe Log In

Previous article： Walensky prepares to leave CDC — and Congress — behind
Next article： Caribou posts encouraging results on off

hotspot

WSS

Telehealth startups are trying to fill the menopause care vacuum

FDA panel gives mixed vote on blood pressure devices

Headers linked to memory issues, raising questions about soccer safety as the World Cup kicks off

Extensive review finds private equity owners jack up cost of care

Australia’s approach to dialysis celebrates life

Extensive review finds private equity owners jack up cost of care

hotspot

focus

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and networking platform access.

hotspot

Food as medicine: CMS rules hamper 'prescribing' of fruits, veggies

Winners, losers from Medicare’s list of drugs subject to price talks

What does generative AI mean for health care? We asked experts

How Long Island became the ‘eugenics capital of the world’

DIEP, the 'gold standard' of breast reconstruction, is under threat

Judge denies Trump's request for new trial in E. Jean Carroll case

Anesthesiologist group: stop taking Ozempic before surgery

The stock market has soared this year, but will it last? Experts weigh in

Trump demands the U.S. pay no more for drugs than other countries … again

A new ‘biological computer' targets cancer while sparing healthy cells

Wikipedia

Drug firms test therapies to halt Alzheimer’s before symptoms arise

Psilocybin's anti

What AAP's gender

Headers linked to memory issues, raising questions about soccer safety as the World Cup kicks off

Thousands of UK hospital doctors walk out in the latest pay dispute, crippling health services

Dementia risk linked to living in disadvantaged areas: Study

leisure time

explore

hotspot

Wikipedia