Medical bills for minor child who has passed away

[thesimpsons]

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

Our 14 month old daughter passed away last month as a result of a severe birth defect and subsequent medical conditions. With those conditions came lots of medical bills and a family member told us when someone passes their medical bills are void. I'm just not sure this would be true in the case of a minor since parents are responsible for bills when children are living.

 

[Taxing Matters]

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

Our 14 month old daughter passed away last month as a result of a severe birth defect and subsequent medical conditions. With those conditions came lots of medical bills and a family member told us when someone passes their medical bills are void. I'm just not sure this would be true in the case of a minor since parents are responsible for bills when children are living.

My condolences on the loss of your daughter. Unfortunately, what the family member told you is not true, regardless of the age of the person who died. Death does not void medical bills. In the case of an adult, the medical bills are owed by the decedent’s estate. Of course, if the estate doesn’t have the money to pay the bills then the bills get left unpaid. In the case of a minor child who dies, typically the parents are still responsible for paying for the medical bills.

 

[justalayman]

It’s neither true for a child or an adult. The bills are still owed. In the case of an adult the estate of the decedent owes the debt. In your case you do as the parent of the child.