I am willingly a POA and I pay their bills for them (using their funds). But when the funds dry up and I haven't gotten them approved for medical assistance, can I be held responsible for their medical bills? I have every intention of paying them, but the bills are piling up quicker than we have money to pay so until I get medical assistance, I don't know what to do. I've tried to set up a repayment schedule, but they keep calling me day after day. I don't think I'm financial responsible to pay their bills from my money. Can anyone advise me?
2007-06-29 05:57:04 · 8 answers · asked by jellybean 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am willingly a POA and I pay their bills for them (using their funds). But when the funds dry up and I haven't gotten them approved for medical assistance, can I be held responsible for their medical bills? I have every intention of paying them, but the bills are piling up quicker than we have money to pay so until I get medical assistance, I don't know what to do. I've tried to set up a repayment schedule, but they keep calling me day after day. I don't think I'm financial responsible to pay their bills from my money. Can anyone advise me?
Weird, I thought I saved it in the financial section.
2007-06-29 09:18:56 · update #1
You need to read the power of attorney you've been granted to determine the rights and responsibilities you took on.
2007-06-29 06:04:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you are not responsible for funding the bills just making sure they get paid. You need to go to the billing department of the doctor or hospital with the POA papers and explain that you are trying to get the patient on some kind of medical assistance because there is no money and if need be you need to contact the social services department and ask for some assistance in paying the bills. If you have a payment plan in place and they are still calling on a daily basis then you need to explain to them that if they continue to harrass you with this they will not be getting another payment until you ave spoken with the patient's attorney. Once they have approved a payment plan there is no need for them to call unless you either miss a payment or they need to ask a question. Go in person and discuss it with them however and explain the situation. Keep a written record of all the times you get a phone call and from who and all the times you have talked to someone about this and who you talked to just in case you need to turn to an attorney.
2007-06-29 06:10:30 · answer #2 · answered by sun_and_moon_1973 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the DOG section, but, you are correct. I believe you must pay the bills, but NOT OUT OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL FUNDS. You may have to contact an attorney. They will be able to give you the best advice on how to handle the harassment the collectors are giving you.
2007-06-29 06:04:53 · answer #3 · answered by Pom♥Mom Spay and Neuter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're in the wrong category, but here goes: what you have is called a fiduciary responsibility to the person you are attorney in fact for. That means, since you hold power of attorney for the person (in legalese, you're their attorney in fact), you have a responsibility to not commingle funds (i.e., use their money as if it were yours), to not squander it, and to otherwise act responsibly, paying bills on time, etc. You are NOT responsible for paying the person's bills out of your own funds as long as you follow the rules. It's similar to being a lawyer--he has a responsibility to represent his clients, and needs to represent them in the best way he can, but if they are convicted of a crime, he doesn't have to go to jail for them.
2007-06-29 07:30:51 · answer #4 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You personally are not responsible for their debts from your own monies. The creditors are coming to you because you legally represent the debtor. Do not attempt to pay any debt of theirs from your own funds or it may be construed as an agreement to assume the debt on the debtors behalf.
2007-06-29 06:05:39 · answer #5 · answered by Sane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're in the wrong section, but the answer to your question to the best of my knowledge, is no.
2007-06-29 06:00:10 · answer #6 · answered by politicallyincorrect 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Excellent question!! Take them ALL to the vet NOW!!!
2007-06-29 06:28:05 · answer #7 · answered by Rahaaa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are in the wrong section....
2007-06-29 06:00:20 · answer #8 · answered by Matt's Wifey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋