Who is is Liable for charges?

[mitchg_03]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Iowa

My wife has recently received a bill from a collection agency for clinical charges that were never payed on her mothers medical plan. she was on her mothers medical while she was in college and hade a couple trips to the dr that co pays and some lab tests were not payed on. the insurance was in her mothers name and i believe that they were trying to collect that money from her mother, however her mother has since died of cancer in their hospital. Is my wife liable for these charges from her mothers medical coverage?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[seniorjudge]

Q: Is my wife liable for these charges from her mothers medical coverage?

A: Yes. Reason: "she was on her mothers medical while she was in college and hade a couple trips to the dr that co pays and some lab tests were not payed on."

[ecmst12]

Right answer, wrong reason. The reason is that you were the patient, the bills are for your care which you legitimately received, so you are liable.

[vestagrayanna]

I agree, just as long as "you" / "she" / your wife (ie the dependant on mom's plan) was 18 years or older at the time of service. Have to throw that in since absolutely no time frames or ages are provided in the post.

[SBillock]

Guarantor/Subscriber/Cardholder of the insurance does not always equal the person responsible for payment of portions not paid by the insurance. Especially, as already stated, the patient was of legal age at the time the medical services were rendered.

Bottom line, Yes, your wife is responsible for the copays and lab tests.