Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Florida
My mother in law,senior, got a bill from her hospital/surgery
and requested help, has hardship. She mailed the hopital her SS income and expenses form; now they asking for 3 months bank statements.
She is very liary and told them it violates the privacy law.
What is her rights?
Thank you much for your reply.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Unless their is a judgment against her, she should not reveal anything re money. If her income is only SS, they cannot get it.
Depends on whether their motive is debt collection or determining
eligibility for Medicaid or other benefits for which she may be
eligible. Request for copies of bank statements is typical of
Medicaid or related agencies. Consult with an elder lawyer or
with FL medicaid, DCFS, to determine if she is
eligible for benefits. If she is not, it could become a debt collection
issue. If her basic income is SS and she does not have other
substantial property, she is likely eligible for Medicaid or other
benefits.