How Crowdfunding Can Help Pay Medical Bills

Crowdfunding can help pay for medical bills … it really is that simple. You can crowdfund for just about anything, including medical bills. Many times people are in a medical crisis and are not sure where to turn. Medical bills can add up in no time and medical bankruptcy is a real thing. You’d be surprised how many people from “your own crowd” are willing to help.

In a study published in January 2014 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in four families experienced financial burdens for medical care.

This “financial burden” of health care equates to medical bills that they are currently unable to pay and are forced to pay monthly over time.

This study goes on to share that lower-income families were more likely to experience the financial burdens of health care. Those families with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level had the highest levels of any financial health care burden.

250% of the federal poverty level (based on the guidelines for 2013) means that a family of four with an annual income of $ 58,875 or less was at the highest level of the population feeling the financial burden of a healthcare provider. to be loved. That is our middle class America. Those are the families who live paycheck to paycheck and are not prepared for a medical crisis.

It is a baby with his eyes closed and an oxygen cannula in his nose. He was born with a bad heart, a weak immune system and eating problems, leading to a condition labeled “growth retardation” by doctors. Isaac spent the first year of his life in and out of hospitals in Las Vegas and Stanford, where he underwent multiple catheterizations and cardiac procedures, open heart surgeries, and had a feeding tube surgically placed to make sure he received the right amount. adequate nutrients. Isaac’s family had excellent insurance that covered 80% of all medical costs. However, they still spent more than $ 100,000 out of pocket in the first year of their life on deductibles and related medical expenses.

Shocking … right?

I know … My name is Kathy and I am Isaac’s mom.

I remember people asking us if they could have fundraisers for us, give us money … they would offer to do anything just to help. At the time, you couldn’t have imagined the costs we would incur, nor all the things that insurance doesn’t cover. You assume you pay the insurance, you will have a deductible … The end.

If that were so.

Words of advice:

Start a crowdfunding campaign right away

Don’t be too humble to allow other people to offer to help you. You can’t really imagine the costs of things in the medical world and how they add up. It is TOO hard to think about money when it comes to healthcare for a loved one. You want anything and everything done … you’ll worry about the bills later.

From a mom who’s been there

Don’t expect people in the middle of a medical crisis to think straight (well, they sure don’t). If you are related to the family or just a loving friend … talk to them about medical bills and the reality of the situation. Talk to them about what they need now and what their needs may be in the future, and help them budget and plan for everything your loved one needs. From bills, equipment, therapy sessions … even therapy dogs, all of these things may be a necessity now or in the future.

How exactly will crowdfunding help pay my medical bills?

Well, they can’t send a check to the hospital for you, but they can offer you a platform that will help you tell your story and share it with your friends and family. The right crowdfunding platform will support you throughout the entire process, from guidance in writing your story, selecting images to post, sharing on social media channels, and even helping you write press releases to gain national exposure.

Crowdfunding can help you pay your medical bills by allowing YOU to take care of your family and allowing your “crowd” to help YOU. Donations will be made by people you have inspired and want to help you. These people will have a platform to donate to you on their schedule and an amount that is within their means. They will be assured that the funds will go directly to YOU ​​and not to an anonymous organization.

You are not alone in your medical crisis. Crowdfunding is a viable source to help pay for medical bills and other related medical needs.