Want this question answered?
In Ohio the estate will be responsible for the medical bills of the deceased. Only after they are resolved can the estate be closed and any remainder distributed.
In Ohio, the estate must resolve all debts including Medical Bills. Insurance policy will affect what is required. Until that is done, the spouse cannot inherit anything.
In Ohio, as in most places, the debts of the deceased, including hospital bills, are the responsibility of the estate. The estate, or its beneficiary should reimburse any valid debtors before giving any of the assets away. If the estate has been closed, there should be no further claims. Consult a probate attorney in your jurisdiction for help.
Whomever obtains the letter of authority from the probate court.
In most countries (I expect the state of Ohio would be the same) the debts of a deceased person are normally payed from that person's estate and would be settled by the executor of the estate as part of obtaining probate for the estate. If you are worried (and the estate has an executor) speak to the executor, otherwise seek advice from an attorney if the hospital is coming after you for the money.
A person who dies without a will is said to be intestate. Each state has specific laws about how property is divided when the deceased is intestate.
You can apply to the estate for your money. If there are no assets in the estate, you aren't going to be successful. Consult an attorney in your jurisdiction for help.
The Office of the Ohio Consumer's Council offers financial assistance in a variety of ways. Their website offers help for specific situatations and clear instructions for contacting their resources. One option is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help with utility bills for low-income households and also for any households facing an emergency sitation. The Ohio Consumer's Council website offers many options for help.
In Ohio, a surviving spouse may have rights to a family allowance, exempt property, and a share of the deceased spouse's estate if there were children from a previous relationship. Depending on the circumstances, the surviving spouse may also have rights to social security benefits or life insurance proceeds.
The spouse of a deceased person is only responsible for said person's debts if the couple resided in a community property state or if the debts were jointly incurred.
In Ohio they have set medical debts documented in writing at 15 years. That gives them a fairly long period of time in which to collect. And it will be measured from the last acknowledgment of the debt, payment or letter from the person who owes.
Once it is filed it is a public document.