focus -WSS

focus

author：focus 2025-09-29 20:51:33 - browse：137

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： Hollywood unions extend contract negotiations for actors
Next article： What the cancer research community can learn from the Covid response

WSS

Medicare drug price negotiation hasn't dried up venture capital

Prime Medicine, Myeloid Therapeutics clash over genome

Bristol Myers buys into radiopharmaceuticals with RayzeBio

HCA sued by state AG for quality issues at Mission Health

Humana’s Medicare Advantage lawsuit should be tossed, DOJ says

What the cancer research community can learn from the Covid response

knowledge

focus

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

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

leisure time

Over 800 arrested across France in 3rd night of riots after fatal police shooting of teen

STAT Health News: Apple Watch import ban, Pfizer fumbles, etc

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

What the cancer research community can learn from the Covid response

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

Wild otter attack leads to woman being airlifted to hospital, 2 others treated for injuries

At least 13 dead in Texas as scorching temps continue

Christmas in the PICU brings some surprising joy

Dobbs anniversary: the lost opportunity of abortion as health care

Three trends to watch in biotech in 2024

knowledge

Virtual care provider acquires bankrupt Pear's prescription apps

Stem cell clinics for heart failure: buyer be wary

My superpower is killing ticks

ER docs worry over extreme heat as a 'mass casualty event'

A cyberattack has disrupted hospitals and health care in several states

Christmas in the PICU brings some surprising joy

knowledge

leisure time

hotspot

Wikipedia