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 not be responsible for the medical debt of a deceased spouse, specifically concerning reasonable and necessary services provided by physicians or dentists, as well as hospital expenses. This provision is a notable shift from existing law, which holds spouses jointly liable for such expenses while both are alive. The bill also clarifies that a spouse who abandons their partner without cause is liable for the support of the abandoned spouse, but this abandonment can serve as a defense against liability for expenses incurred for the benefit of the abandoning spouse.

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 allowed for liability during periods of separation if reasonable support was provided. 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 the reduction in collectible medical debts. The bill was reported favorably by the Human Services Committee and reflects a shift towards protecting surviving spouses from financial burdens associated with their deceased partner's medical expenses.

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