An estimated 50 million Americans have donated to crowdfunding campaigns for medical expenses, according to a new study.
The big picture: People without insurance often have to shoulder enormous bills all on their own, and out-of-pocket expenses are a burden even for people with insurance. Friends and family are a big part of the unofficial health care system.
By the numbers: NORC at the University of Chicago estimates that 8 million people have started a crowdfunding campaign for their own medical expenses, 12 million have started one for a friend or family member, and 50 million have donated to one.
Those figures are based on a survey of 1,000 people.
Overall, 20% of Americans reported donating to a medical crowdsourcing campaign.
61% had donated to a relative, co-worker or acquaintance; 46% had donated to a friend's campaign; and 35% donated to a stranger.
