Why So Many Everyday Americans Turn to GoFundMe for Medical Bills (and How You Can Avoid It)

“It’s not the illness that breaks families — it’s the bills that follow.”

Every day, millions of Americans wake up believing their health insurance will protect them. Then the unexpected happens — an accident, a surgery, a hospital stay — and they’re blindsided by a mountain of bills they never thought they’d face.

We’ve all seen it. The heartbreaking GoFundMe campaigns shared by friends and family. Desperate posts on Facebook asking for help with medical costs. A hardworking parent suddenly pleading with strangers for donations to cover a deductible, coinsurance, or an out-of-pocket maximum that drained their savings in days.

This isn’t rare. It’s reality. And it can happen to anyone.

 

The Hard Numbers No One Talks About

• 58% of privately insured Americans are enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), meaning they face thousands in upfront costs before insurance even begins to pay.
• In 2025, the average ACA silver plan deductible is nearly $5,000, while maximum out-of-pocket costs can soar above $9,000 for individuals and $18,000 for families.
• A recent survey revealed that 48% of families with chronic conditions report financial strain due to medical costs — even though they’re insured.
• Medical expenses remain the #1 cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re stories of hardworking, everyday people blindsided by the fine print in their insurance plan.

 

A Real-Life Example

Imagine Sarah, a single mom of two with employer-provided insurance. She pays her premium faithfully each month, thinking she’s covered.

Then one day, her son breaks his arm. After the ER visit, X-rays, and surgery, Sarah’s bill is $8,200.

Insurance pays their portion — but Sarah still owes her $6,500 deductible + 20% coinsurance. That’s nearly $7,800 out of her pocket in just one week.

Sarah doesn’t have that kind of money lying around. So, like so many others, she turns to GoFundMe doe medical bills.

 

⚠️ Why This Keeps Happening

Insurance was designed to protect us from the catastrophic. But as deductibles climb higher each year, the system shifts more of the financial burden onto individuals and families.

It’s not enough to have insurance. You need a plan to protect yourself from your deductible.

 

Here are some statistics from the Kaiser Family Foundation, now known simply as KFF:

Key KFF Statistics on HDHPs & Their Impact:

1. High Prevalence of Deductibles

• In 2024, 87% of workers with single coverage are enrolled in plans that include a general annual deductible — that’s up from around 80% a decade ago

• The average deductible for those workers is $1,787, marking a 47% increase over 10 years .

2. Rising Costs Over Time

• The average general deductible today ($1,787) is 58% higher than in 2014, which was $989 .

• 32% of covered workers now face a deductible of $2,000 or more, including 50% at small firms, where financial strain tends to be higher .

3. HDHP Specific Numbers

In HDHPs with savings options (like HSA or HRA), the average deductible is even higher: $2,700 for single coverage, and family coverage averages $5,343 (HDHP/HRAs) or $4,952 (HSA-qualified HDHPs) 

The Affordable Solution Most Don’t Know Exists

This is where Gap Insurance comes in.

• Pays YOU cash when you’re hospitalized or need outpatient surgery.

• Helps cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.

• Keeps your emergency fund and savings safe from sudden depletion.

• Often costs less than a couple of dollars a day.

Think of it as your financial airbag — you hope you never need it, but when life hits hard, it can mean the difference between stability and financial disaster.

 

The “A-Ha” Moment

When you strip away the jargon, here’s the truth:

• Your insurance protects the hospital.

• A gap plan protects you.

No one should have to beg strangers on the internet and resort to GoFundMe for Medical bills. With the right protection, you can face life’s medical surprises with confidence, not fear.

 

Final Thought

“The best time to prepare for a storm is before the clouds roll in.”

You work hard. You pay your premiums. You deserve peace of mind that if the unexpected happens, you won’t lose everything you’ve built.

Gap insurance is the missing piece — the bridge between having coverage and actually being protected and not having to rely on GoFundMe for Medical Bills.

Contact Us at TCG Insurance Solutions for more information