Medical Debt Responsibilities

Medical costs and medical debt are one of the largest causes of bankruptcy in America, says bills.com. The high cost of health care is a significant portion of the problem. However, loss of income during recovery also adds stress to a family's financial state. The problems worsen for those that are not insured, under-insured or have claims denied. Understanding a few facts about medical debt responsibility can help avoid some of these situations.

You are Responsible for Your Medical Bills

A major misconception surrounding medical bills and debt is who is responsible for paying. When you receive medical care it is ultimately you that is responsible for bill payment even if you have insurance. When you are treated, the contact is between you and the medical service provider. If your insurance company is paying the bill it is your responsibility to make sure this happens. Even though many doctors will bill insurance companies on your behalf, it is your responsibility to file the claim with your insurance company for payment.

Receiving a Bill

You are still responsible for paying a medical debt even if the doctor or hospital fails to send you a bill. When you received the medical care this is the point that an enforceable contract was made. Patients are allowed to leave the doctor's office or hospital and pay at another time as a courtesy. The fact that your doctor fails to send you a bill does not absolve you of your responsibility to pay. If you do not receive a bill then phone your medical care provider and request one.

Timely Billing

If you have insurance, the terms for billing times will be outlined in your agreement. It is essential that you are aware of these terms because you can be held liable for payment if the insurance company doesn't receive the bill in time. The times vary from policy to policy, but the standard period of time is 90 days. If your doctor or care provider does not bill the insurance company within this time, you can be held responsible for the payment. To prevent this from happening, call your doctor's office and make sure the bill is filed. You may have some recourse if you can show it was the doctor or hospital that was negligent.

Family Medical Bills

Generally speaking, in most states spouses' medical bills are shared responsibility. This also holds true for children. If your spouse or child has medical treatment then you can be held liable for the costs. In most cases, this issue only becomes complicated when a divorce occurs. Most states will hold the ex-spouse liable for any medical costs created during the marriage. With children, legal experts recommend getting a provision with the marital dissolution agreement requiring the spouses be notified when medical care is given to children or other dependants. This prevents one spouse from running up medical cost to the deteriment of the other.