Can my father in-law be held liable for his ex-wife’s health care bill?
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Can my father in-law be held liable for his ex-wife’s health care bill?
Per his insurance company he did not fulfill his obligation to notify them that he was divorced and when she went in due to a heart attack she was covered by his insurance which he gets through his job, because they thought she was still covered, and she went along with it. Now they are billing him for the cost of her care.
Asked on December 5, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If the premiums were being paid for your father-in-law's former wife's health insurance I fail to see the factual basis why the health insurer would be seeking reimbursement for the former wife's health costs. Possibly the divorce decree mandated continued health coverage for her by him.
Assuming the benefits for health care were improperly made to the former wife, she should be responsible for any reimbursement to the carrier. I recommend that your father in law consult with an attorney who practices insurance law about the subject you are writing about. The key to getting an answer to your question would be to carefully read the insurance policy at issue and the requirements of the policy holder.
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