More Patients Turning to Crowd-Funding Websites To Help Pay Medical Care Costs

Crowd-funding websites for patients' medical expenses are growing in popularity, and several medical institutions and associations are now joining the industry. Observers say there are some potential issues with the increased use of online fundraising sites, including privacy and fraud concerns and the loss of eligibility for Medicaid or other assistance programs.

• "A Growing Number of Patients Turn to Crowd-Funding Sites To Defray Medical Costs" (Mayer, Kaiser Health News/Washington Post, 7/1).