 TITLE: What Happens to Medical Debt When You Die? CONTENT: What Happens to Other Forms of Debt When Someone Dies?\n------------------------------------------------------\nWhen someone dies, there are often other debts related to medical expenses. It's important to understand your responsibilities for these debts.\n*   **Nursing home debt**: In the past, nursing homes often required a third-party guarantee of payment before they would admit a resident. If a family member or friend signed as guarantor, they would be responsible for any nursing home bills after the resident's death. Federal law passed in 2016 makes it illegal for nursing homes to require or even request a third-party guarantee. However, it's important for family members to read any admission papers carefully before signing them, as nursing homes may use vague or confusing language to hold family members responsible for payment.\n*   **Mortgage or home equity debt**: You may have taken out a second mortgage or a home equity loan to finance your medical care. If your spouse was also on the loan, they will be responsible for paying it off after you die. If you leave the house to an heir, they may inherit the debt along with the house.\n*   **Cosigned personal loans**: Suppose you took out a personal loan to pay for your medical care. If someone else, such as your spouse or child, cosigned with you on the loan, they are responsible for paying those bills after you die. Because your cosigner is still around to handle the payments, your estate has no responsibility for the debt.\n*   **Credit card debt**: In some cases, you might use credit cards to pay for medical care; there are even credit cards designed specifically for this purpose. Any joint credit card accounts you held with your spouse will remain their responsibility after you're gone. (Authorized users on your credit card account are not responsible for the debt.) END