Oh, that is terrible. But bills do sometimes come in very late. The ambulance that took my Mom to her hospice facility sent the bill in 6 months after she died. Personally, I tend to pay bills when they come in just so I don't forget them. But that's just me.

Please consult an attorney in your state. In my state, I was not responsible for any medical bills as I did not sign anything saying I would be responsible for payment. Collectors will try to make you pay as they did me. The first phone call I made the day after Brian died was to our attorney. He told me not to pay any bill.

Nessie from KY

If your name is not on the bills, it is not your responsibility. The hospital/doctors will get the insurance payment and you are not required to pay unless you personally signed financial responsibility.

Maggie

I ignored the ones I could. I didn't sign any responsibly papers. But some have come up on my credit report. They reposed my van 3 weeks after he died. And we had the credit life insurance on it. Like a idiot, I let them have it. Now I can't get anything on that account. Also had it on a loan. Can't get the balance on that either, even though I paid it off. Get a lawyer.

It's been almost 6 months and I'm still getting bills. If they are not to large I go ahead and pay them. Some of them I write deceased and send back. Others I call and tell them my husband passed. Most say ok and so far I haven't received anything else from these physicians. The ambulance bill is not covered by my insurance. It also has a note at the bottom stating a claim will be made on the estate if not paid. So I'm making payments on this one.

Check your state laws. I think in WV physicians can collect on the estate but not facilities.

Terri

Please get an attorney if you don't already have one. Do not pay any medical bills unless your attorney advises you to do. Good luck and please take care of yourself. Karen

I had never thought not to pay the bills, don't want to ruin my credit and so far they aren't awefully high. Everyting we had was " joint " I just want to make sure that their math is correct and I don't overpay. Wonder how much a lawyer would cost. Might be cheaper just to pay the bills.

Wait or ask your insurance co for EOB's. That will tell you what you really owe any provider. Don't let them bully you. Hospitals especially are often wrong so don't assume the info they're giving you is correct. Sadly it's another hassle that you really don't need when you lose someone you love. 7 mos out and still having issues. As far as credit report, they'll only affect your spouse's if the bills are in their name. Good luck, Liz

My wife signed herself in the hospital because she was with my son at her oncologists office and they sent her straight to the hospital. I was at work. I never signed anything and her 27 days in the ICU which was over 600 thousand dollars. Her insurance covered what they covered, but I never got a bill for anything. It's law here in Florida that I couldn't be held liable. Now if she had an estate that could be billed but I never went to probate because everything we have is in either/or one of us.

If you live in Wisconsin like I do you are responsible. Please check with a lawyer before deciding not to pay. Don't just ignore those bills-they will show up on your credit report if arrangements are not made...at least here in Wisconsin. I had a terrible time with those hospital bills when one of our insurance companies decided not to pay Jim's bill because Agent Orange is an act of war. Luckily we had and I still have Tricare through the Military and they paid the great majority of his bills.