Ex Spouse and Medical Treatment of Child

[HazFaith]

I just received word via my credit monitoring service that I have a "new account" which is a collection agency for a medical debt incurred by my ex wife (who resides in South Carolina) for our dependent child.

 

I am retired military and I have the responsibility of carrying the medical insurance for our child, who incidentally turned 18 a couple of weeks ago. However, medical services were rendered in March 2009, and the invoice has been left unpaid. I contacted the Collection Agency who informed me that the file shows numerous attempts by the doctor's office to obtain payment from my ex wife (this is only a $129.00 invoice). The office in which the treatment was rendered gave the collection agency my information as being the party responsible for the debt because the medical insurance is in my name.

 

I have not received any phone calls, mail or information from either the medical office nor the collection agency. I have only received this notification on my credit file (listed on Equifax and Experian) which prompted me to call the collection agency.

 

I have received no information regarding treatment due to HIPPA laws, so I was not informed that any services were rendered. I do not receive "Explanation of Benefits" forms for my child due to these laws (which I tried to fight), and I did not sign for these services, in fact, I was not informed that the child was going to the doctor, and I never received any telephone calls, letters, etc. that this bill was incurred.

 

Guidelines for South Carolina Child Support states that the first $250 of such medical expenses shall be paid by the custodial parent (my ex wife). My question is:

 

a) Was the medical office wrong by giving my information to the Debt Collection Agency?

 

From a Credit-Rating standpoint, would it be in my best interest to pay the invoice and "admit guilt" or should I fight the collection agency with the view that it is not my responsibility to pay? I currently have a 792 credit rating and I want to keep my excellent rating and obviously if paying the $129 will keep my current rating I would pay the debt.

 

Thank you for your help!