Senate Bill No. 1469, titled "An Act Concerning Medical Debt," proposes significant changes to the liability of spouses regarding medical debts. The bill stipulates that a surviving spouse will no longer be responsible for the medical debts of a deceased spouse, specifically those related to reasonable and necessary services from physicians or dentists, as well as hospital expenses. This amendment is a notable shift from existing law, which holds spouses jointly liable for such expenses while both are living. The bill also clarifies that a spouse who abandons their partner without cause will still be liable for support during the abandonment period.

In addition to the new provisions, the bill repeals and replaces Section 46b-37 of the general statutes, which outlines the financial responsibilities of spouses. The changes include the removal of language that previously held surviving spouses accountable for their deceased partner's medical debts. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is expected to result in a potential revenue loss for the UConn Health Center due to a decrease in collectible medical bills. The Human Services Committee has reported favorably on the bill, indicating support for its passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
HS Joint Favorable:
File No. 382: