Trevor, I assume your parents didn't have any medical insurance prior to them going onto Medicare? Your parents are still responsible for those medical bills. Have your parents tried talking to the billing departments to see if those bills could be lower or made some type of small monthly payment.
It doesn't matter if you are Power of Attorney or not, no child is responsible for any debts of his/her parent, be it medical bills, credit cards, loans, etc. [unless you had co-signed to take responsibility]. It is your choice to pay from your own funds, but note you probably would need to pay these past debts in full once you start.
It doesn't matter if you are Power of Attorney or not, no child is responsible for any debts of his/her parent, be it medical bills, credit cards, loans, etc. [unless you had co-signed to take responsibility]. It is your choice to pay from your own funds, but note you probably would need to pay these past debts in full once you start.