What happens when an algorithm cuts your health care (The Verge, 21 March 2021)

Summary

This article looks at the experience of Tammy Dobbs, who has cerebral palsy and requires extensive support from home carers to carry out daily tasks. In 2016, Tammy's care needs were reassessed by the state of Arkansas where she lives, and the hours of support she was eligible to receive were cut in half. The change in eligibility was due to a new state-approved algorithm that had calculated her support needs in a new way, in spite of the fact that there was no change to her level of need.  The situation caused Tammy much distress and resulted in drastic life changes. The article highlights the issues associated with the use of algorithms to determine need and allocate resources in health and social care. It also raises questions about what transparency means in an automated age and highlights concerns about people’s ability to contest decisions made by machines.