Who is financially responsible when a minor requests care and treatment?
If the minor has the authority to consent to treatment (check state laws) and insists on confidentiality, then the minor is generally (but not always) financially responsible for the cost of the treatment. You may need to check state laws regarding financial responsibility of minors. Frequently, the minor will be covered for care under a parent’s health care insurance. However, if a minor requests that the treatment for care (e.g., birth control, pregnancy, etc.) be paid by a parent’s health care policy, the minor must be advised, in advance, that the parent will then be informed of the care and treatment because the insurance provider will send a copy of the bill to the parent regarding the service provided.
