Worries about medical bills?

Question

Recently my dad is being omitted to the hospital. My dad is US resident and has a correct social security number. Problem is he never works. He is 60 years old and don't have medical insurance. I'm glad my dad is ok but my brother in- law has asked me how we are going to handle the bills. We both know when the bills arrive it will be really expensive. My brother in-law and I are just a middle class who lives pay check per paycheck. How we can handle this situation? Because my dad doesn’t have income is government will pick up the tab? Or help us to reduce the bills. My brother in-law worries that the hospital will make us pay the bills which is I understand about it. Please help me I need an expert opinion right away I don't want both of us have to file BK.

Answer 1

Your dad probably is eligible for medicaid.  If he does not work how does he live?

If he collects welfare then there may be a state plan to cover these recipients.

I agree with the last answer - speak to the social worker at the hospital.

Answer 2

Omitted means "left out".  I think you mean "admitted",  which is "put in".

The answer is, don't handle it at all.  Your dad has no income.  I'm not sure why he's not on Medicaid (welfare insurance), but that's a question for him.  

If he has bills and doesn't pay them, the hospital will go after HIM, not you and your brother.  Debt is not inheritable.   And your father, if he has no assets and no job, is "judgement proof".

Answer 3

Your dad is being ADmitted to the hospital, not OMitted. Anyway, go to Social Services at the hospital and tell them of his situation. The hospital cannot make you pay. Your dad is responisible for his own debts. Your community health clinic or Health Dept will also be able to give you contact numbers for assistance.

Answer 4

Your dad's bills are his own. Why would you be responsible for another adult's bills, related or not?

Unless you or your brother signed responsibility for your dad's bills at the hospital, then whichever one signed would be responsible.

If your dad is living off savings, then he will probably have to pay out of that. If not, he can go to social services, but there will be questions about how he can support himself without money. If he eats the food comes from somewhere.

People who are middle class don't generally live paycheck to paycheck, unless they are obscenely stupid with money. Most have at least some money in the bank.