Is a Husband Responsible for His Wife's Medical Bills in Indiana
/My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Indiana
My sister-in-law was just recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and my brother is concerned about his assets, (house, truck and a bank account in his name only), because insurance only pays 80% and her medical bills are likely to really add up. Can they seize his assets or make him responsible?
Re: Is a Husband Responsible for His Wife's Medical Bills in Indiana
Indiana's doctrine of necessities holds a spouse secondarily liable for necessary medical care, such that if the ill spouse's separate assets and share of the marital estate aren't sufficient to pay the cost of medical care the provider can pursue the other spouse for the balance. See, e.g., Thompson v. Thompson, 811 NE 2d 888 (2004); Bartrom v. Adjustment Bureau, Inc., 618 NE 2d 1 (1993).