Recently, a Pennsylvania appeals court found a son liable for his mother’s $92,943 unpaid nursing home bill under Pennsylvania’s filial responsibility law.
In September 2007, John Pittas’ mother entered a nursing home after a car accident. In March 2008, she left the nursing home and moved to Greece. She left a large unpaid bill at the nursing home. In May 2008, the nursing home sued the son for nearly $92,943, asserting he was liable for the debt under Pennsylvania’s filial responsibility law, which requires a child to provide support for a parent who is indigent. She applied for Medicaid coverage of the amount due, but in May 2008 that application has not been resolved. Pennsylvania’s appeals court held that Mr. Pittas was liable for his mother’s nursing home debt and the nursing home had shown he had the financial ability to support her and pay the bill.
Over two dozen states have some form of filial responsibility laws that make adult children responsible for their parents’ costs of care if their parents are indigent.
Should you have any questions, please contact:
Todd Selby at 317.977.1440 or tselby@wp.hallrender.com;
Brian Jent at 317.977.1402 or bjent@wp.hallrender.com;
David Bufford at 502.568.9368 or dbufford@wp.hallrender.com; or
Sean Fahey at 317.977.1472 or sfahey@wp.hallrender.com,
or your regular Hall Render attorney.
