Surviving Spouses May Not Be Responsible for Partners’ Medical Bills

Published On Sep 27, 2024, 9:00 AM

The article discusses the dilemma faced by surviving spouses regarding medical debt following the death of their partner. Many of these spouses, often women in their 70s, may receive calls from debt collectors demanding payment for unpaid bills that may not be their responsibility. Legal experts advise that rules vary by state, and surviving spouses should not assume they are obligated to pay their deceased spouse's medical bills, especially during such a vulnerable time in their lives. The average unpaid medical debt for new survivors is around $29,000, which is significantly higher compared to other demographics.

Read full article

Stock Forecasts

CLOVView CLOV chart on TradingView

Positive

Given the emotional and financial strain on surviving spouses, combined with potential legal reforms aimed at protecting them from unjust debt collection practices, investor interest may rise in companies that focus on consumer rights, financial counseling, or healthcare financial services. Companies engaged in these areas could see growth as the market becomes aware of the challenges faced by this demographic.

FICOView FICO chart on TradingView

Negative

As discussions around consumer protections increase, companies that are involved in debt collection or medical billing could face increased scrutiny and regulatory pressures. This could lead to a negative market response for these firms as they adjust their practices and face potential legal risks.

Related News

Surviving Spouses May Not Be Responsible for Partners’ Medical Bills

Sep 27, 2024, 9:00 AM

A call from a debt collector may add to the challenges that bereaved people are already dealing with. But spouses “should not assume that they have to pay.”

CLOV
FICO

That Message From Your Doctor? It May Have Been Drafted by A.I.

Sep 24, 2024, 10:08 AM

Overwhelmed by queries, physicians are turning to artificial intelligence to correspond with patients. Many have no clue that the replies are software-generated.

CLOV

Latinas contributed $1.3 trillion to U.S. economy, new report says. That number could be even bigger

Sep 17, 2024, 12:57 PM

A recent report funded by Bank of America revealed that Latinas contributed $1.3 trillion to U.S. GDP in 2021, and some economists think it could be more.

CLOV