Q: Am I responsible for my adult homeless relative's medical debt in Ohio?
I would like to know if I am legally obligated to cover ongoing medical debts incurred by my adult homeless relative, who has refused to live with their elderly parents who are residents of Ohio and do not have much money. The person in need is not eligible for Medicaid or other health benefits.
A:
The answer, unfortunately, is "it depends."
You described the other person as an adult "relative," but you didn't indicate what your relationship is to that person. Are you their parent, child, grandparent, third cousin? The degree of relationship may matter, depending on context.
You describe them as an "adult," but more information is needed - such as age or whether they have been put into a guardianship or conservatorship situation.
You also don't indicate if you perhaps signed healthcare documents as a guarantor for this relative. That would change the analysis.
The more information you can provide (without revealing personally identifying information) the more helpful the answers will be that you get in response.
Best of luck, and I'm sorry that you and your relatives are going through a tough time.
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