If someone is taken to ER on a 5150 basis who is responsible for the ambulance bill or the hospital bill?

Question

How can someone who is not alert and oriented sign a form stating they are responsible for the bill when they were told they overdosed on medications and paperwork showed they were unable to sign forms. They don't remember anything from their stay at the hospital.They were completely out of it and not knowledgeable at all then two weeks later they get the chart and it shows a signature and a witness to it. The patient never had insurance and they were under mental health care at the time with an agency but they are planning to find out who is responsible for the upcoming bills. The person has tried to find out the answers from an atty and they said to get on medi-cal and wait for the bills. they can't get blood out of a turnip. How can the person pay rent and other expenses to live? Should I get on SSI? Does anyone know anything about this? What can I do besides trying to get a job so I don't loose everything like my car, or my apartment? I have never helped anyone who has been 5150...

Answer 1

This is a good question. I don't have all the answers for it but I do know that whoever said to get medical was right. Thats the best course of action. Medical bills are troublesome but you won't lose your house or car if you cannot afford to pay them off quickly. Usually they are just happy to take $20 a month to pay if off rather then you skipping out on the bill. As for the signature part. They obviously felt you were in need of medical attention and they do have the right to transport you if they feel it is necessary. If you feel you qualify for SSI you might want to look into that. but let me stress again..Medi-cal is the best way to go.
Good Luck hun.

Answer 2

It is assumed under the law that you would have wanted to be saved or helped, even against your will. The efforts to save you were in your best interests whether you agree or not. A better question is why should I have to pay someone elses medical bills when I can barely afford my insurance. Personal responsibility takes over and its better to work out a payment plan than have to declare bankruptcy and lose everything or go into collections and be harrassed everyday until you decide to pay.

Answer 3

It seems like the trip to the hospital was a direct result of the person's actions. That person is responsible for the bill. You cannot automatically qualify for SSI. You need to get a job. That is a fact of life.