Medical bills can they make you pay

[Steel]

If a family member dies of cancer and accumulates a lot of bills can these bills be passed on to the family to pay ? A friend just got a bill for 33 grand and since this person is dead they say its his responsibility to pay the bill. He is going to send them back and tell them to get it from the estate. The estate is busted so can they make a family member pay the hospital bills ? Any help appreciated.

[Dr. Jack]

Maybe spouse, doubt family member

[PHILLYBIRDS20]

If the hospital didnt ask for a cosignor than im pretty sure the bills pass with the deceased

[Steel]

Originally Posted by Dr. Jack

Maybe spouse, doubt family member

These are his kids and they didn't even live near or around him. No spouse involved. I told him to send a letter asking to see where he signed the bills. Either way I tell them to pound sand.

[Steel]

Originally Posted by PHILLYBIRDS20

If the hospital didnt ask for a cosignor than im pretty sure the bills pass with the deceased

The attorney for the hospital sent the bill, do you think its just to see if someone is dumb enough to pay ?

[justdonating]

They can try to get it from the estate, but the kids aren't responsible for the bills.

[TTB]

no way kids are responsible.....like you said steel, i think the hospital is trying to get what they can out of the kiddos cuz they know they are pretty much phucked

[Victor]

Found some information for you Steel.


The estate of the deceased is liable for the debt, and no one else is, not even relatives. This includes medical bills, credit card debt and mortgages. If the debtor dies with no assets, the debts go unpaid.


Hospitals and doctors don't want bills of the deceased to go unpaid. That means they will try to collect from you. Collectors will call and tell you that you're responsible for the debt. They will say basically whatever they feel they need to say in order to get you to agree to pay some of the debt. So, be prudent in dealing with them. Always consult an attorney. If your case is simple, it won't be that expensive, and it will bring peace of mind. The attorney will send a cease-and-desist letter to the collectors, and they won't call again.


If the deceased had assets at the time of death, those become a part of his estate. The estate sells off its assets and uses the proceeds to pay its bills. If a family member dies with a lot of medical bills and a lot of assets, make sure the bills are paid before you start thinking about who's going to get what.


If your mother or father dies and has no assets to speak of, you are not liable for her medical bills or credit card debt. If bill collectors contact you, send them a certified copy of the death certificate and a written statement that the estate has no assets. If they continue to contact you, hire an attorney. But if you were a co-signer on one of your mother's or father`s credit cards, you will be liable for the debt.

[Steel]

Thanks so much Victor will be sure to share this news.