Depending on where you live, you may have to pay your parent’s nursing home bills if he or she is unable to pay them. Many states now enforce “filial responsibility” or “filial support” laws that are based on an old principle that makes adult children morally obligated to obey, respect and financially support their parents. Under these laws, an adult child of a nursing home resident is responsible for paying the resident’s nursing home bills should he or she become unable to pay. Adult children can also face civil action if they refuse or fail to pay up.
To date, 30 states currently have filial responsibility laws. According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, nursing homes in 21 states can sue adult children for non-payment of nursing home bills. Adult children in 12 states can face criminal penalties for filial nonsupport, and adult children in three states can face civil and criminal actions for filial nonsupport.
If you plan on placing your elderly parent in a nursing home, be sure to check if your state has filial responsibility laws and what your responsibilities are under those laws.
