A New York trial court enters judgment against a woman who refused to contribute to her spouse’s nursing home expenses, finding that because she had adequate resources to do so, an implied contract was created between her and the state entitling the state to repayment of Medicaid benefits it paid on the spouse’s behalf. Banks v. Gonzalez (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Pt. 5, No. 452318/15, Aug. 8, 2016).
Evelyn Gonzalez’ spouse was admitted to a nursing home and received $28,235.56 in Medicaid benefits from the Department of Social Services of the City of New York. At the time of her spouse’s Medicaid application, Ms. Gonzalez’ assets exceeded the community spouse resource allowance. However, she signed a declaration refusing to make her income or resources available to pay for her spouse’s care.
After a letter to Ms. Gonzalez demanding repayment of the cost of Medicaid benefits paid on behalf of her spouse went unanswered, the agency filed suit. Ms. Gonzalez did not respond to the summons and complaint nor to the agency’s motion for default judgment.
The Supreme Court of New York, New York County, grants the motion and enters default judgment against Ms. Gonzalez for the cost of benefits provided to her spouse. The court notes that in cases such as this where Ms. Gonzalez has the income and resources but refuses to contribute to her spouse’s care, state law creates an implied contract between her and the state allowing recovery of the cost of the benefits provided during the preceding 10 years.