You May be Financially Responsible for Your Parents' Medical Bills

Few people know that Pennsylvania has a filial support law which requires the children and spouses of indigents to pay for their "necessaries" including health care costs which can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.  Health care providers have been using this law, 23 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 4603, in their collection efforts.  Be aware that the term "indigent" does not necessarily mean a person is so completely destitute of property as to require public assistance.  The term can include people with some limited means but whose means are insufficient to provide for their maintenance and support.

Contact an attorney if you are named in a collection action for necessities based upon filial support.  Defenses and strategies may be available to you to either remove or at least reduce your liability.