Sunday I had to call 911 when Mom fell and I couldn't get her up. She did not hurt herself in the fall, but she was both dehydrated, low on sodium, and has a bad UTI. She will probably need to be transferred from the hospital to a rehab nursing facility. My question is this. As her POA am I responsible for unpaid bills from the hospital? ie. radiology, specialists etc. I unfortunately have all her money in a joint account. When that is gone, am I still held responsible?
Does your Mom have Medicare [if she is over 65 she probably does if she is a U.S. citizen] or does she have Medicaid? My Dad had fallen a few times and was transported by EMT's to the hospital and couple times had to stay over. So far I haven't paid one bill as it looked like Medicare paid for everything, even the ambulance rides. Whatever Medicare doesn't pay, usually the secondary insurance will pick it the cost.
Be careful when signing any agreements - go over the small print with a magnifying glass. You sign for and on behalf of, with Power of Attorney for Mrs X; you do NOT act as her guarantor or accept liability for costs.
Do you need to make an applications for financial assistance for her? Other forum members have a great deal of expertise about this - ask away!