Legal Question in Insurance Law in New Jersey

Non-Student, 19 Year-old Child's Medical Bills

My daughter turns 19 in September. She is NOT a student. She lives in my home. She works part-time, earning well below $10,000 per year. Her employer does not offer health insurance. On October 1, she will no longer be covered under my health plan through my job. Will I be responsible for her medical bills? My main concern is if she required an expensive stay at a hospital, due to an illness? Also, would her auto insurance cover hospital expenses related to an auto accident (and she had no other health insurance)?

Thank you.


Asked on 7/14/05, 8:19 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

John Ducey Law Offices of John G. Ducey, PC

Re: Non-Student, 19 Year-old Child's Medical Bills

Her auto insurance would cover her for a car accident subject to whatever deductible she has chosen as well as the co-payments. That is unless she has a basic policy which does not provide PIP benefits, you should look at her declaration page to determine PIP benefits.

You would be responsible for her bills if you sign a document saying you are. Otherwise she is her own person.

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Answered on 7/14/05, 9:36 am
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: Non-Student, 19 Year-old Child's Medical Bills

Your situation is very common. There are two issues, health insurance and auto insurance. Your health insurance plan will have limits on who is covered. If your daughter still depends on you for financial support, then most likely she will still be covered. YOu would need to carefully read the wording of your health insurance policy. Your job should be able to get you in touch with the health insurance company to get this. I would be happy to read your policy and advise you.

Second, injuries from a car accident MIGHT be paid first by the auto insurance policy. Again, if you elect to have auto insurance primary, then the wording of your auto ins. policy will tell you what will be paid by auto ins. There are always limits on what it covers.

Please call me so that I can assist you further, 973-890-0400.

Bob Davies, Esq.

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Answered on 7/14/05, 10:22 am


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