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luckynumber9 · Jun 10, 2009, 12:26 PM

Here's the situation;
I'm a 19yo student and was injured pretty bad in a mountain bike accident earlier this year leaving me with well over 120k in medical bills. My insurance did not cover it. My father purchased the insurance plan for me and I asked him specifically if it covered E.R. expsenses for situations like this and he said it did (of all things my father is a dr, not that its relevant in any way), turns out it doesn't. I am a dependent of my father and he is the lease holder on the condo I live in, so I technically live under his roof. I probably will not qualify for financial aide from the hospital because I am a dependent of his and if so it will not cover the bills 100%

Another thing to note is that when him and my mother divorced, in the paperwork he was responsible for 100% of my medical expenses as long as I was a full time student or 21. He ended up getting custody of me when I was 16 so that may or may not be relevant.

So can he be held responsible for these bills? I have also heard from a legal studies professor of mine that he may be responsible because he acted as an agent in that he purchased the plan for me and told me the coverage.

Lowtax4eva · Jun 10, 2009, 12:58 PM

If your parents divorce papers really say he is responsible for all your medical expenses as long as you're a full time student then yes, he is responsible, end of story.

You have an insurance plan and it wouldn't cover ANY of this?

excon · Jun 11, 2009, 07:47 AM

Hello l:

What?? You're considering suing your dad? Seems to me, that being a doctor, you'd be better off waiting for your inheritance. If you sue him, you ain't going to get an inheritance.

excon

luckynumber9 · Jun 16, 2009, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Lowtax4eva

If your parents divorce papers really say he is responsible for all your medical expenses as long as your a full time student then yes, he is responsible, end of story.

You have an insurance plan and it wouldnt cover ANY of this?

The papers said that when they divorced and custody went to my mother. Before I was 18 custody went back to my father so that condition probably does not apply.

Not a dime, from my helivac out of the mountains to the $20 tylenol, apparently he got me cheapest insurance policy he could find.

luckynumber9 · Jun 16, 2009, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by excon

Hello l:

What??? You're considering suing your dad? Seems to me, that being a doctor, you'd be better off waiting for your inheritance. If you sue him, you ain't gonna get an inheritance.

excon

He has made it very clear that unless I become a dr or attorney I am not included in his will. Law school or med school is not in my future so yes I am considering suing him.

AK lawyer · Jun 16, 2009, 01:14 PM

I don't think you are going to get anywhere on the theory that he is liable to you for negligent purchase of insurance; not if he paid for it anyway.

A parent does, however, have a duty to support his minor children. Depending on what state you are in, this may not be until the age of 21. The wording of the divorce decree is not pertinent: that is between your parents. It is to protect your mother, not you; and I don't think you can take advantage of the terms of that agreement.

luckynumber9 · Jun 18, 2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by AK lawyer

A parent does, however, have a duty to support his minor children. Depending on what state you are in, this may not be until the age of 21.

I'm in Florida. I tried searching on that topic but didn't get anywhere, so if you know, your info is much appreciated

AK lawyer · Jun 18, 2009, 10:24 AM

Age 18 in Florida.

742.18 Disestablishment of paternity or termination of child support obligation.--

(1) This section establishes circumstances under which a male may... terminate a child support obligation...
(2) The court shall grant relief on a petition filed in accordance with subsection (1) upon a finding by the court of all of the following:...
(g) The child was younger than 18 years of age when the petition was filed.
...

mtreynor · Oct 16, 2013, 09:05 AM

I have a 26-year-old daughter who I claim as a dependent to the IRS. Am I responsible for her medical bills?

excon · Oct 16, 2013, 10:48 AM

Hello m:

No.

excon