widow

[Granny8]

I would like to know if I have to pay my deceased husbands medical bills. I have keep up with all the smaller bills but recently got a bill for $1400. The balance left on a $50,000 bill .that was his first hospital stay on Apr.of 2013. From Apr.2013 till july 21 the day died he was in the hospital four more times.So I know there will be more large bills that i will not be able to pay. All the income i have is social security and a small pension. Can you help me?

 

[Proserpina]

Technically yes, per Illinois law you are equally responsible for medical bills of your spouse.

But in real terms, I'm not honestly sure it matters that much - they cannot garnish your social security, and your pension is safe.

You can read here: http://www.illinoislegalaid.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentID=6828

I'm sorry for your loss, too.

 

[Betty3]

I'm sorry for the loss of your spouse. In some states there is a doctrine of necessaries which can make one spouse responsible for the medical bills of the other spouse. However, due to the type of income you are receiving, I don't see them being able to take any of your "retirement income." If your spouse had an estate, the creditors could make a claim against the estate.