Insuring an Adult Child: Who’s Responsible for Medical Bills After 18?

Wondering who is responsible for the medical bills of your adult child who is still listed on your health insurance policy? This article provides a detailed guide to help you understand the situation and take action to resolve any confusion. Whether it's due to misunderstandings, errors, or simply transitioning to independent living, we'll walk you through the process of ensuring your financial responsibility aligns with the situation.

Understanding Your Insurance Setup

Check if your daughter is still listed as a dependent on your insurance policy. This listing, while convenient for her continued care, does not automatically make you financially responsible for her medical bills as an adult.

Checking the Nature of the Document

Ensure that the document you received is not an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) letter. An EOB details how the payment for medical services was handled and does not constitute a bill. A bill, if issued, may be due to the following scenarios:

New Address Issue: If your daughter recently moved, her new doctor's office may not have her updated contact information, instead using your emergency contact details. Emergency Contact Misstep: If your daughter provided your contact information as her emergency contact, the doctor's office may have mistakenly sent the bill to you. Error by Practitioner's Office: The practitioner's office may have made an error, sending the bill to you due to the unreturned mail at your daughter's address.

Contacting the Doctor’s Office

If it turns out to be a bill and it wasn’t due to address mismanagement, contact the doctor's office directly. Have your daughter's current information handy, including her name, address, and any recent updates to her insurance policy. Ask them to clarify why the bill is being sent to you.

Addressing the Issue

Copy and Correct: Copy the invoice and send it with a cover letter explaining the error, along with your daughter's current address. Clearly state that the bill should be sent to her. Mail Original to Your Daughter: Send the original copy to your daughter, informing her that the bill was misdirected to you in an error. Seek Confirmation: Keep a record of all communications and confirm that the corrected bill is now sent directly to your daughter to avoid future inconveniences.

Transitioning to Independence

Encourage your daughter to take control of her healthcare and finances. Once she turns 18, she becomes a legal adult and should be prepared to manage her own medical bills. Only you, as the parent, can make her legally responsible, and this is typically done when she is still a minor. Remind her to:

Update her Doctor: Ensure her medical information, including her address, insurance details, and emergency contacts, are all up-to-date. Take Control of Payments: Make sure she understands the importance of paying her own co-pays and any other costs associated with medical care. Email and Communication: Encourage regular updates and communication about her health and financial responsibilities.

Understanding and managing your responsibilities as a parent and your daughter's independence can help prevent misunderstandings regarding medical bills and ensure both of you are well-prepared for the future.