Im on disability and I owe $10,000 in hopital bills from when my wife passed away
2007-04-13 13:38:49 · 18 answers · asked by Franklin W 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Insurance
I think this depends on if you live in a community property state.
Take a look at the laws in your state and make the best decision to help you take care of your self first.
2007-04-13 13:58:50 · answer #1 · answered by Matt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you do owe them. They did a service, regardless of whether she died. Doctors and nurses took time, medicine was consumed, resources were used, etc. etc. There is one exception, and that is if you can show negligence or malpractice on their part. If not, then you are stuck. This is why EVERYONE should have life insurance. It really is essential. (It is another argument in favor of universal health care, as well). My condolences for your loss. That is very rough, and I hope things work out. Do you go to church? A lot of churches will help their members out if they are in need. You might try that. Otherwise, I am afraid I have no other ideas, unless your friends can try taking up a collection for you. Good luck!
2007-04-13 20:49:07 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry for your loss, sir.
I'm afraid that you most likely do owe the $10,000. You may want to tell them of your financial circumstances and see if you can obtain full or partial relief from this debt. Some hospitals will work with you.
If you are able to seek low-cost or no-cost legal advice (see if there is a legal aid hotline in your area), you should do so.
2007-04-13 20:43:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow. Are you sure that YOU owe the money? You may need to contact a social service agency to get some direction on this.
At any rate, being in the hospital doesn't guarantee success. Live or die the bills still must be paid.
Good luck.
2007-04-13 20:47:08 · answer #4 · answered by blue check 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an insurance agent and the answer is NO. You wqere not the patient and these bills are written off. If your wife did not die in the hospital, you may have to produce a death certificate.
2007-04-13 21:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by mitch9262002 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, yes. However, if your income is truly low, ie, your only income is Social Security disability (no added insurance, investment income, IRAs, veterans disability compensation, etc) hospitals will usually forgive the amount owed.
2007-04-13 20:44:38 · answer #6 · answered by Caninelegion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am pretty sure YES, after all, they used their time and equipment and people to "repair your wife and keep her going as best as they could so she could continue to exist for as long as she did.
I mean it is no different than getting your car repaired by a mechanic and made payments. If you should get the car stolen or in a car crash or totalled, that does no negate the fact that the mechanic put time and money into your car to keep to running previous to the accident.
2007-04-13 20:47:17 · answer #7 · answered by ButwhatdoIno? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you signed indicating that you would take financial responsibility. If you're on disability, let their business/finance office know. Most hospitals have charity programs, or sliding fee scales. If you're way below poverty level, they might even forgive it; however, just check to see if you signed saying you YOURSELF would pay, not your wife, b/c if she signed, you're still not liable for her debts if they weren't incurred on a joint basis, regardless of marriage.
2007-04-13 21:06:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically any bill that you have while married is community property. The difference is that if you are making any payment ($10 a month or higher) they cannot trouble you due to her death
2007-04-13 20:44:34 · answer #9 · answered by leachnissan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in a community property state, yes. If you signed the "responsible party" part when she went into the hospital, yes.
2007-04-13 23:04:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋