I had back surgery when I was 17 years old. Now 9 years later I have recieved a letter from a collection agency saying there is still minor debt associated to appointments before my surgery. Everything else paid and I am curious whether I am legally obligated to pay a medical debt that was created before I was 18.
Your parents had to sign for consent to do the surgery so they are on the hook..Not you. You can get that removed easily. It is an unenforceable contract to enter into one with anyone under the age of 18..No hospital would do it. You can sign for loans over $1,000,000 before the age of 18..Once you hit 18.They cannot collect no matter what. Call an atty, don’t look for answers on these boards. No atty would charge you to answer the question and they will take care of it over the phone
If you signed the papers for being “financially responsible” for the amount, then yes. They aren’t going to hunt down your parents now to have them pay it, now that you are an adult.
just out of curiosity, who exactly do you think should pay your medical expenses? Your parents? the tax payers? the hospital? I am just curious as to why you feel your not obligated to pay your own bills..
Now that you are 18 you are obligated. Your parents are no longer responsible for debt related to you, unless you liveunder their roof and they claim you on taxes.
Make sure that those bills were processed through your insurance at the time. Make sure that billing had due process. Speak to your parents about the debt, it may be that they were un aware of it and would be willing to pay for it. If they have declared bankruptcy since then, it may be that those bills were written off during the bankruptcy and now that you are of legal age they are going after you for their money.
Make sure you pursue all avenues. And definately let them know you are going to see a lawyer. Even if you don’t, it will put them on their toes, and let them know you won’t be bullied.
Most states say that a debt maid by a minor isnt collectable until the age of 18.
If it’s several hundred dollars you might be able to contest it in small claims court as you were a minor at the time. If it’s minor, like insurance copays and co-insurance totalling under $300 you’re better to just pay it to protect your credit rating. Obviously it’s on your credit report, not your parents’.
You are n ow considered an adult at 18, so it is your responsibility to pay your debts.