unpaid medical bills for dependent parents

[AngilaY]

My husband and I claim his parents as dependents on our joint tax return, because they have no income and have to live with us. Are we obliged to pay their unpaid medical bills? Do the hospital have rights to use a collection company to ask us to pay? We really can't afford that much, after we pay for almost everything for them. We have to save for our own future. And they don't qualify for social security, because they are not citizens.

A million thanks. Any input will be highly appreciated

[ecmst12]

There is a very good chance that you could be found responsible for their bills. They may still qualify for medicaid or you may be able to carry them as dependents on your health insurance from your work (if either of you have it) since they are legally your dependents, but that will depend on how the particular policy defines a dependent.

[Stevef]

Originally Posted by AngilaY

My husband and I claim his parents as dependents on our joint tax return, because they have no income and have to live with us. Are we obliged to pay their unpaid medical bills? Do the hospital have rights to use a collection company to ask us to pay? We really can't afford that much, after we pay for almost everything for them. We have to save for our own future. And they don't qualify for social security, because they are not citizens.

A million thanks. Any input will be highly appreciated

Claiming someone as a dependent does not make you liable for their debts. The hospital would have no reason to know that you claimed parents as dependents. Parents income taxes may state that they are claimed as dependents on someone else's return, but does not include whose taxes they are claimed on.

However, if you signed something with the hospital agreeing to pay the bill, you may be liable. This could have been an admitting form, or anything else.

How does the hospital even have your name, unless you signed something?

Also, if you (or husband) signed an affidavit of support to bring them here, you may also be liable.

How do you know they cannot get social security? I know of at least one green-card holder legally collecting social security. She never earned any income in this country.