(a) Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to relieve any person from the liability of maintaining and supporting the person’s parent or parents or child or spouse, as provided by the laws of this State. However, the provisions of § 501(a) of Title 13 shall not be considered by the Department in determining eligibility for assistance of any applicant or recipient of such assistance, but the Department shall encourage persons to seek and relatives to provide support that will eliminate or reduce the need for public assistance.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or any other provision of law, the financial responsibility of an individual for any applicant or recipient of medical care shall be disregarded unless such applicant is such individual’s spouse or child who is under the age of 18 years or who is blind or permanently and totally disabled.