Joint Sponsor Obligations

[NatTierney 0]

Hi, my mom and step dad are thinking of being joint sponsors for my husband. They are willing to do it, but concerned about their obligations. We have read through all the paperwork and everything, but its not very clear as to weather or not they would be responsible for any medical bills if for some reason we werent able to pay them? I know the USCIS website said they would be responisble for paying back any money taken from the government (food stamps, social sec benifits etc..) But it didnt say anything about medical bills. If something should happen where my husband needed to be admitted into the hospital and we couldnt pay the deductable from our insurance, would they have to pay it? Thanks for your help

[Barbara J 115]

Hi, my mom and step dad are thinking of being joint sponsors for my husband. They are willing to do it, but concerned about their obligations. We have read through all the paperwork and everything, but its not very clear as to weather or not they would be responsible for any medical bills if for some reason we werent able to pay them? I know the USCIS website said they would be responisble for paying back any money taken from the government (food stamps, social sec benifits etc..) But it didnt say anything about medical bills. If something should happen where my husband needed to be admitted into the hospital and we couldnt pay the deductable from our insurance, would they have to pay it? Thanks for your help

Well if you can't pay who else do you think is going to pay it

[NatTierney 0]

Well if you can't pay who else do you think is going to pay it

Okay maybe i should rephrase that. What will happen if we dont have the money to pay the medical bills and they don't pay it? Will they be in trouble? Is the i-864 form just an agreement to make sure that the immigrant does not go on welfare basically?

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

You would be responsible initially for any debt that your husband incurred. Your parents would only be secondary, if after suing you they are unable to collect.

[Jojo92122 1,925]

Hi, my mom and step dad are thinking of being joint sponsors for my husband. They are willing to do it, but concerned about their obligations. We have read through all the paperwork and everything, but its not very clear as to weather or not they would be responsible for any medical bills if for some reason we werent able to pay them? I know the USCIS website said they would be responisble for paying back any money taken from the government (food stamps, social sec benifits etc..) But it didnt say anything about medical bills. If something should happen where my husband needed to be admitted into the hospital and we couldnt pay the deductable from our insurance, would they have to pay it? Thanks for your help

As the spouse, you will be responsible for the medical bills. Your parents would not be responsible for the medical bills unless Medicaid was used to pay the medical bills.

If your spouse was to receive regular Medicaid (may be called something different in your state), the US government can seek reimbursement from your parents. They would be liable for all expenses paid by Medicaid.

Does your parents realize that they will still be on the hook if you divorce.

Read the instructions for Form I-864. The instructions list when the sponsor's obligations ends. Your parents could be on the hook for the rest of their lives for your husband.

[NatTierney 0]

As the spouse, you will be responsible for the medical bills. Your parents would not be responsible for the medical bills unless Medicaid was used to pay the medical bills.

If your spouse was to receive regular Medicaid (may be called something different in your state), the US government can seek reimbursement from your parents. They would be liable for all expenses paid by Medicaid.

Does your parents realize that they will still be on the hook if you divorce.

Read the instructions for Form I-864. The instructions list when the sponsor's obligations ends. Your parents could be on the hook for the rest of their lives for your husband.

yes they realize that. They aren't worried about that at all. We are planning to put him on my insurance when he gets his green card. I was reading that the government cannot sue you for any medical bills if you go to a private hospital. I suppose thats true since the government doesnt own private hospitals. That is the only thing my parents are worried about, just incase, god forbid, something bad happens or an accident that they wouldnt be held accountable for any big medical bills. they are fine with everything else.

[Jojo92122 1,925]

yes they realize that. They aren't worried about that at all. We are planning to put him on my insurance when he gets his green card. I was reading that the government cannot sue you for any medical bills if you go to a private hospital. I suppose thats true since the government doesnt own private hospitals. That is the only thing my parents are worried about, just incase, god forbid, something bad happens or an accident that they wouldnt be held accountable for any big medical bills. they are fine with everything else.

Private hospitals still receives funds from Medicare and Medicaid. While the government do not own private hospitals, these hospitals are still dependent on government funds like Medicaid and Medicare for support. Any hospital receiving government funds (essentially all hospitals) cannot refuse to admit emergency patients.

If your husband goes to a private hospital, then you and he would be responsible for the bills. If regular Medicaid is used to pay the bills, then it is possible that your parents may be asked to reimburse the government.

Look at the instructions for Form I-864. It is okay for your husband to receive emergency Medicaid. There is no reimbursement for that. The I-864 sponsor is responsible for reimbursement for regular Medicaid.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9618666