The Wallet Biopsy: Medical Crowdfunding for Heart Transplantation

Division

East Florida

Hospital

JFK Medical Center

Document Type

Manuscript

Publication Date

5-1-2024

Keywords

Humans, Heart Transplantation, Fund Raising, United States, Male, Female, Crowdsourcing, Adult, Health Services Accessibility, Middle Aged

Disciplines

Cardiology | Cardiovascular Diseases | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Financial considerations continue to impact access to heart transplantation. Transplant recipients face various costs, including, but not limited to, the index hospitalization, immunosuppressive medications, and lodging and travel to appointments. In this study, we sought to describe the state of crowdfunding for individuals being evaluated for heart transplantation. Using the search term heart transplant, 1000 GoFundMe campaigns were reviewed. After exclusions, 634 (63.4%) campaigns were included. Most campaigns were in support of white individuals (57.8%), males (63.1%) and adults (76.7%). Approximately 15% of campaigns had not raised any funds. The remaining campaigns fundraised a median of $53.24 dollars per day. Of the patients, 44% were admitted at the time of the fundraising. Within the campaigns in the United States, the greatest proportions were in the Southeast United States in non-Medicaid expansion states. These findings highlight the significant financial toxicities associated with heart transplantation and the need for advocacy at the governmental and payer levels to improve equitable access and coverage for all.

Publisher or Conference

Journal of Cardiac Failure

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