How liable is the Affidavit of Support sponsor?

[purem4g1c 113]

Hey there, asking a question for my fiance's parents!

 

Here is the scenario...

 

So my fiance's brother is sponsoring some family members to come to America. The people they are sponsoring end up not getting health care from the government/insurance company at all. They get "sick" and need surgery for lets just say $50,000 for example. They do not pay the $50,000 would the government go after the the sponsor, in this case being my fiance's brother? When I was reading about what sponsors are liable for it seemed like it was only things that would be a "public charge" which is something along the lines of... welfare, and or food stamps? But I couldn't find much about "health care" related sponsor things.

 

Thank you!

[Just Paul 4,595]

For a I-864, liability  is for 10 years (40 quarters of Social Security being collected) or until the naturalize or abandon the green card or die.

 

It is for any US government liable programs.

[geowrian 22,339]

Medical bills are private charges. That’s an issue between the provider and the patient.

 

That said, the provider can force them into bankruptcy, and then open a can of worms regarding the need for government benefits. Those benefits may fall under the I-864 terms.

 

Intentional failure to get insurance and then not being able to pay a medical bill makes you a deadbeat, not a public charge.

[purem4g1c 113]

Thanks guys, I have another question. If they have Medicaid through NY state, I am not sure they would even be eligible for it at all but anyway lets say they we're on it would they go after the sponsor? 😮

[kris&me 572]

to know how the government describes  a public charge is to read the government site for clarifications

 

https://www.uscis.gov/news/fact-sheets/public-charge-fact-sheet

 

read thru the section Benefits Not Subject to Public Charge Consideration

 

but also note the section above which says

 

In addition, public assistance, including Medicaid, that is used to support aliens who reside in an institution for long-term care – such as a nursing home or mental health institution – may also be considered as an adverse factor in the totality of the circumstances for purposes of public charge determinations. Short-term institutionalization for rehabilitation is not subject to public charge consideration.

[Umka36 781]

Easy solution is just get/buy them health insurance. Why bring someone when you don't/can't provide their needs. We have enough US folks who can't get health insurance as it is.