Legal Question in Elder Law in California

Health Care Responsibilities

My Mother-in-Law recently moved in with my wife and I. My medical insurance does not cover her. In the event that she needs emergency medical care, needs to be in a hospital, etc, is her daughter (my wife) responsible for paying for her medical care and hospitial bills. Can we be sued, have a lein placed on our home, etc, to pay her bills? I have worked hard all my life and do not want to lose my home, life savings, etc, because my mother-in-law does not have medical insurance. What are my possible options?

Thank you in advance.


Asked on 1/07/01, 11:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Health Care Responsibilities

No, you will not be responsible for the mother-in-law's medical bills and neither is your wife. If you have to take her to a doctor or a hospital for any reason at the time they admit her they will want forms filled out indicating who is responsible for her medical bills. Just make sure to read the forms very carefully and do not fill out any form indicating that you or your wife are responsible. If a hospital wants to know who is responsible tell them the mother-in-law's responsible. You should also look into getting her qualified for either Medi-Cal or Medicare.

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Answered on 1/11/01, 8:10 pm


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