#HandlingMedicalDebt #FatherPassedAway #DebtManagement
#### Organizing Medical Bills and Debts
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and unfortunately, the burden of medical debt can add to the stress during this difficult time. Here are some steps you can take to handle medical bills in an organized manner:
##### Gather all Medical Bills and Documentation
– Collect all medical bills, insurance information, and any other related documentation.
– Make a list of all outstanding debts, including the amounts owed and due dates.
##### Understand the Debts Left Behind
– Medical debt is typically the responsibility of the deceased’s estate.
– The estate will be responsible for paying off medical bills using the deceased person’s assets, such as bank accounts or property.
##### Communicate with Creditors and Healthcare Providers
– Contact each creditor and healthcare provider to inform them of the situation.
– Discuss payment options, such as setting up payment plans or negotiating a reduced settlement amount.
#### Consider Seeking Legal Advice
– Consult with a lawyer who specializes in estate planning and probate law.
– They can provide guidance on how to handle the deceased’s assets and navigate the legal process of debt repayment.
#### Explore Options for Debt Reduction
– Look into programs or resources that may help reduce medical debt, such as charity care or financial assistance programs offered by hospitals.
– Consider negotiating with creditors to lower the total amount owed.
#### Protecting Assets
– Understand the laws in your state regarding the protection of assets from creditors.
– In some cases, certain assets, such as a primary residence, may be exempt from being used to pay off medical debt.
##### Conclusion
Handling medical debt after the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, but taking proactive steps to organize bills, communicate with creditors, seek legal advice, explore debt reduction options, and protect assets can help alleviate some of the financial stress during this challenging time. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this process.
No one but his estate is legally liable for debts he incurred.
Sorry for your loss.
Did he have a Medicare supplement?
You need to look at the Medicare coverage he had to see what his max OOP would be and how much debt this would really amount to.
Do you know if he had Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare? If the latter, did he have a Medicare supplement policy?
Remind your mom not to agree to anything, not to sign anything and not to talk to anyone regarding this debt. Tell her not to worry about it, stack up the medical mail that comes, and go through it together. There is no hurry on any of this, take your time figuring out what is what.
Okay – you do not own a penny. Your mom does (unless they were not married), though – we have the doctrine of necessities here in NJ
Talk to a social worker at the hospital.
Assuming the hospital is in network, the most you have to pay is the out of pocket max.
In my state there is no requirement for an estate executor for simple cases. When my wife died I automatically inherited the house and joint accounts. But not her medical debt. I just sent back each bill with a copy of the death certificate. Took over a year but eventually the bills stopped coming.
So check your state requirements and maybe a lawyer. By the way a week of emergency care can easily reach 6 figures or more. Most of the bills I got were from doctors/companies that I had no idea who they were. I think they charge just for walking past her room.
You don’t own any money if they are for a person that’s already dead. The debt is only his not yours. Don’t let them bully you into paying. My dad went through that when my grandma died. He told them that it’s no longer an issue as the patient is now passed on. No one came after us and since 2001 not a pep of anymore collecting.
Many hospitals will write off the leftover debt after Medicare pays. Don’t pay any of them. Your mom now owns the house, not your father.
Like others have said, if they come after you or your mom for the outstanding balance, have copies of the death certificate available to mail to them.
Y’all are not responsible for medical debt (or any debt) that is solely in his name. My dad died in October 2023, and all of the debt he had went to the estate. The mortgage I am paying though, because I was living with him as his caretaker and the house payment is way cheaper than the rent these days.
I will say, getting an estate/probate attorney is your best move. I’m in NC, and the cost was just a little over $1,000 for him to take care of everything.
Just, if there’s debt solely in his name, do not agree to assume responsibility. Idk about NJ, but in NC if a spouse dies without a will, the property then gets inherited by the other spouse. As long as she can make the payments on the house (if it still has a mortgage), then the house should be okay.
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s a club I wish no one was a part of ☹️