Why GoFundMe is not a safety net for some of the most vulnerable users – WHYY

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Crowdfunding for Medical Expenses

Introduction

This article discusses the challenges faced by individuals who rely on public assistance programs and turn to crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe, to cover their medical expenses. It emphasizes the need for clearer guidelines and reforms in programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Section 8 housing to allow individuals to retain their benefits while fundraising. The article also highlights the role of organizations like Help Hope Live in assisting patients in raising funds without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance.

Patrice Jetter’s Story

Patrice Jetter, a school crossing guard with diplegic cerebral palsy, faced difficulties when her donated van became inoperable. She turned to GoFundMe and successfully raised funds for a used van. However, she later lost her housing choice voucher and Medicaid benefits due to the funds raised through the campaign. Jetter’s experience highlights the challenges faced by individuals in public assistance programs when using crowdfunding platforms.

The Risks of Crowdfunding for Public Assistance Recipients

Stephen Dale, an attorney and founder of Dale Law Firm, explains that crowdfunding can push individuals over their asset thresholds and jeopardize their eligibility for programs like SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, and Section 8 housing. Many public assistance programs lack clear guidelines on crowdfunding, resulting in unforeseen complications for recipients.

Options for Fundraising While Retaining Benefits

1. An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account allows individuals to save up to $18,000 per year without risking their benefits.
2. Depositing GoFundMe funds directly into an ABLE account is advisable to avoid complications.
3. Strategically navigating the system by spending donated funds before the end of the month can minimize the risk of losing benefits temporarily.

Reforming Guidelines and Seeking Assistance

Efforts are underway to reform guidelines for SSI, Medicaid, and Section 8 housing to allow individuals to retain more savings and provide clearer regulations on crowdfunding. However, meaningful change is unlikely to happen soon. In the meantime, organizations like Help Hope Live assist patients in raising funds for medical bills without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance.

Help Hope Live: Assisting Patients in Need

Help Hope Live is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals facing medical expenses related to chronic illnesses and specific organ transplants. They verify applicants’ medical needs and provide personalized fundraising guidance. The organization pays the bills directly, ensuring that the funds raised do not affect the beneficiary’s eligibility for public assistance programs.

Conclusion

Navigating public assistance programs while fundraising for medical expenses can be challenging. The risks of losing benefits temporarily or permanently make it difficult for individuals to seek financial help. Clearer guidelines and reforms are needed to address the complications arising from crowdfunding. Organizations like Help Hope Live provide crucial support to patients in need, ensuring they can cover their medical expenses without jeopardizing their eligibility for public assistance.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.3.1: Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims, and the poor and the vulnerable.
• Indicator 3.8.2: Proportion of population with large household expenditures on health as a share of total household expenditure or income.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: whyy.org