medical bill responsibility

[runawaykid]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Alaska
My daughter is 16 years old. In early September, I moved to texas from Alaska. My 16 year old daughter refused to move with me. I called the police and they said they could not force her (nor could I) to go with me. They said it wasn't against the law, after 16, to "runaway". I moved to Texas with my other two children. My daughter stayed with friends. Shortly after moving, my daughter,(high school drop out, whom I am not supporting) went to a local clinic for UTI. Then went to the ER a week later, for not taking the antibiotics prescribed. she put me as the responsible party, and gave our "old" address in Alaska.
I have recieved the two bills for service (they were forwarded to me in Texas).
1.) Am I liable for these bills?
2.) what can I do not to be liable since I have no control of her?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[ecmst12]

I think it would be difficult for you to get out of the bills. She hasn't been legally emancipated so according to the law, you ARE responsible. After you pay them, you could theoretically sue her for this money, and you might even win...but is that really something you'd want to do?

[runawaykid]

of course I wouldn't sue her. She doesn't work, she doesn't go to school. I just want her to follow the rules ..go to school, do some simple chores...you know, I'm a single mom, with 3 kids...
I just can't keep getting bills b/c she goes to clinics/hospitals that aren't covered under my new HMO's..(when she went to the doctor then, I was in between insurances..NONE).
I do have her on my insurance now, and will keep it (just in case something major happens). So emacipation is the only way? Even though I didn't give consent and it wasn't life threatening...I thought that was the only way she could get medical treatment and me be liable ???

[runawaykid]

thanks for the reply!

[runawaykid]

Any other answers out there? what is the legal answer for responsibilty for payment for a runaway minor without your consent..not an emergency?

[justalayman]

You owe until your child is emancipated.

You are responsible for your childs needs until they are emancipated whether you feel responsible or not.

The police were wrong. A minor is a minor.

You can also institute an emancipation action as well as your daughter.