Am I responsible for this bill?

[Randi]

My father's wife (not my mother) died in May of 2003; he died in Jan 2006. An ambulance service sent a bill to the wife from services rendered in 2003 before she died. After Medicare & insurance paid (in 2003), "she" owes $96.38. WTH?

As far as I know, she only had one relative. A niece who lives(d) in Alaska. I don't even know her name.

I am the only relative my dad had, and my name was on his house. He left no insurance and his income stopped when he did.

The bill was addressed just to her at my dad's former address. It was forwarded here to me by the Post Office. I will be calling the company tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone had ever heard of such a thing. It just seems so strange. I don't doubt that the money is owed, my dad would have paid immediately if he had gotten a bill like that. Since I was executor of his will, I imagine it would be the responsibility of the estate, but there just isn't anything left since I had to use what little savings he had to pay his nursing home bill plus adding some of my own money.

 

[Maleficent13]

Short answer: no, you are not responsible. And don't let them try to tell you you are. I would just call them and let them know about her passing and the fact that there is no estate, and leave it at that.

 

[Disney Doll]

No. The estate has been probated. End of discussion. Do not give them any info regardinng you or your finances. If they want a death certificate, send them a copy.

 

[Kallison]

What the above poster said -- if there is nothing left in the estate then you are not responsible.

 

[poohandwendy]

No. The estate has been probated. End of discussion. Do not give them any info regardinng you or your finances. If they want a death certificate, send them a copy.

What she said. LOL, I am such a loser I can't think of anything else to add...

 

[bicker]

Keep in mind: You're calling as the executor, not as the daughter-in-law. If you have a different last name, don't even give any indication that you're related. (Not that it matters, legally, but some collectors would use that information.)

For everyone else: My initial inclination would be to NOT return the telephone call, but rahter find an address, and send a letter, as executor of the estate, indicating that the estate has been probated, and there is no remaining assets.

 

[Maleficent13]

For everyone else: My initial inclination would be to NOT return the telephone call, but rahter find an address, and send a letter, as executor of the estate, indicating that the estate has been probated, and there is no remaining assets.

Good point.