Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Domestic Partnerships

I had my boyfriend on my insurance at work. We did not have a domestic partnership that is registered with the state. He incurred a medical bill that he is refusing to pay and the doctor has put the bill on my credit and not my ex's. When I called the credit company and the doctor they both told me that since I am the contract holder on the insurance that I am responsible for his debt. Is that true?


Asked on 6/01/07, 6:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Domestic Partnerships

You raise several interesting issues. If he was on your insurance at work and was a named insured, he should be covered. Why didn't the insurance company pay? Was it a medical charge that would not ordinarily be covered?

Second question, I'm sure, is more pressing. If your ex- knew that he no longer was covered, but represented that he was, then it's his misrepresentation upon which the medical office reasonably relied. Usually, medical offices will check first before rendering services.

Obviously you have left out some necessary details that you can't put into 5-1/2 lines. Feel free to e-mail me more details directly so I can provide you with guidance.

Read more
Answered on 6/01/07, 6:34 pm
Jonathan Stein Law Offices of Jonathan G. Stein

Re: Domestic Partnerships

I am a bit confused. How was he on your insurance?

Did you lie and say you had a domestic partnership? If so, there may be no coverage at all and you both could have issues. If not, was he an insured when he went to the doctor? If he was, the insurance should have paid. If they did not, you need to appeal the claim.

If he had no insurance, the bill should be his. Ask the credit company for verification and an explanation - in writing!

Read more
Answered on 6/01/07, 11:37 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in California