Is an I-864 sponsor liable for the medical bills and hospital costs?

[@elenayefimov8548]

Thank you for the detailed explanation.

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LeslieAvila-x8n]

Thank you for sharing this information! My brother signed form I-864 as part of my mothers immigration process, now after she has been a permanent resident for more than 5 years. Can she apply for Medicaid? Without any liability to my brother? Thank you so much!

[@phish_1]

Ohh I’m Filipina who was sponsored by my US husband. He signed the I-864 because I don’t have any money LOL Now that he impregnated me who will take care of the hospital bills since I am not working? I don’t have healthcare insurance and social security number too 😂😂😂 It’s funny because I have been a tourist in England where you need to provide a travel insurance in case if there is any accident during the tourist stay! It’s compulsory in England maybe USA need to copy England as well

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

The I-864 is definitely unique to the United States so far as I know. But if your spouse sponsored you, and you're unemployed, you could potentially have a claim. (But not for hospital bill - the sponsor's legal obligation is tied to providing financial support of a specified level). ~Greg

[@imranvsiddiqui]

Really nice you explain thank you I appreciate you that

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

Thanks a lot!

[@mohammedelomary1630]

Thank you sir - Great video that summarizes it well.

[@nickwill5294]

Hi, in New York State Medicaid is now giving immigrates and undocumented 65 and older Medicaid regardless of there statuses, will a sponsor be responsible for paying back Medicaid if the 5 year rule does not apply to these recipients. Please advise.

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

Interesting, I wasn't aware of that. The state could still choose to seek reimbursement against sponsors. *However* I am not aware of New York having pursued reimbursement actions at any time in recent history. (If you hear of any such cases, I would be interested). ~Greg

[@celinefeliza]

I believe this is the same with California medi-cal. People can get full scope regardless of their status.

[@claudiasysak4467]

Hello, what about if your parent has medical and medicare? And they recently had medical issues and were admitted to the hospital.

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

There is no liability under the I-864 for Medicare or for medical bills generally. The only related liability stems from Medi*caid*, which is for low-income households. In reality, I am aware of no state that seeks Medicaid-related reimbursement from sponsors. ~Greg

[@rezkaljersh]

My question here is in regard a fiance of a US. Citizen. If the petitioner needed a co-sponsor for I-864 when adjusting the status (getting green card) for the beneficiary, then after getting the green card, can the beneficiary apply for Medi-Cal or in other words join the petitioner who already has Medi-Cal? If happened and the beneficiary visited a doctor or got a prescription covered by Med-Cal, then will that negatively affect the co-sponsor, be sued by Medi-Cal or something? Thank you!

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

The California DHHS will tell the non-citizen whether or not they are eligible; it depends on a host of factors. The joint/co-sponsor could be liable for the cost of Medi-Cal benefits paid to the non-citizen, but I am aware of no jurisdiction in California or elsewhere that enforces that right against sponsors. ~Greg

[@RCG1211]

If a green card holder gets medicaid will the sponsor be billed for it. Also if the Green card holder has worked 40 qtrs or plus does the sponsor still.be liable for medicaid recieved

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

Hi, (1) No, the sponsor won't be billed by Medicaid. The government has the right to seek reimbursement from the sponsor but I'm not aware of any State in the country where that happens. (Again, though, the government does have the legal right to do so, should it choose). (2) Once the immigrant has 40 quarters of work then the Affidavit is terminated and no new liabilities attach to the sponsor. The sponsor could still be liable for support/reimbursement obtained prior to 40 quarters. Best, Greg

[@mariaa9209]

Question, I'm a sponsor for my mom, shes been in the hospital and end up with large medical bills...the hospital wants a sponsor to pay that any though about that. Thanks

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

If you have a letter from the hospital I would be very interested to review it. There is *no* obligation to repay medical bills under the Affidavit of Support. The government has the right to seek reimbursement, but only for Medicaid and other "means-tested" federal benefit programs. I hear about hospitals making these threats several times per year, but have never actually reviewed such a letter. ~Greg (feel free to call my office at 855-809-5115 and leave your email)

[@zahidameen1]

So why DSHS is asking for I-864 affidavit Sponsor's information when it comes to Medicaid for sponsored green card holder with 6 years of residency who is admitted to Hospital for cancer treatments. They refused to approve benefits pending sponsor's information. Social worker's advise to claim "Indigent". The sponsor is having fits about this situation and wondering if she should provide her information or not.

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

"Sponsor deeming" rules require DSHS to look at the sponsor's income so long as the I-864 is in place, which is longer than 6 years (roughly 10). ~Greg

[@mylesgray3470]

I’m in this exact same situation. Did you ever get it resolved? Father in law has cancer and is in treatment but insurance is about to be cut off.

[@olgadewitt9462]

Is financial sponsor responsible to pay my health insurance and dental insurance? Thank you!

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

No, the sponsor has no general responsibilityu for health or dental insurance. ~Greg

[@makuta101937]

What if the immigrant is on Medicaid and has to undergo an expensive medical procedure? Medicaid would act as their insurance and pay it... would the sponsor then be on the hook to repay the cost of the procedure to Medicaid?

[@leejackson1696]

How come no one ever talks about the sponsors that have been mislead by the immigrant spouse? What legal rights do sponsors have due to being mislead?

[@olgadewitt9462]

I was asking my divorce lawyer about this. She said me that he don't have to pay me anything, but he will pay back to government if I will use some of that.

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

Sponsors assume that risk. Just like all other aspects of getting married, if you choose badly, American taxpayers don't come to your rescue. The I-864 is one of a million reasons people need to be careful about who they marry. ~Greg

[@olgadewitt9462]

Nobody charged my ex husband for benefits which I used when I was in the shelter and they decide apply for the food stamps and cash card.

[@Soundimmigrationlaw]

Yes, I am aware of no jurisdiction where state governments sue sponsors for the costs of public benefits. ~Greg

[@olgadewitt9462]

Same here. They did not charge him for that when I was in shelter. But in shelter telling me that he will be changing for this.