Who Pays for Health Insurance After Divorce?
Divorce is a difficult process for both parties, especially when it comes to dividing finances and shared legal responsibilities. One of the questions that often arises in divorces is who is responsible for the child’s health insurance and medical expenses.
Child Support
The parent ordered to provide child support will typically be responsible for making payments for the child’s health insurance. In the majority of cases, the non-custodial parent will pay the health insurance premiums. Depending on the state, they may be required to pay for the complete cost of the coverage.
Coverage Limits
The level of coverage for the child will be determined in the divorce decree or parenting plan. If the cost of the health insurance premiums is too high, the parent may be allowed to pay a reduced rate or even an amount separately for medical costs.
Additional Considerations
Some other factors can come into play when determining who will pay for the insurance premiums. For example, if one of the parents has a better health insurance policy, this may be used instead of the other parent’s insurance. Other issues that could be considered in the divorce proceedings include:
- What type of coverage the plan covers
- Whether both parents are listed on the policy
- How long the coverage will last
In some cases, the court may issue an order that requires both parents to split the cost of health insurance or medical bills for the child.
When it comes to health insurance, it’s essential for both parents to understand their legal responsibility and take appropriate action to ensure their children are covered by the right insurance. A family lawyer can help provide guidance and advice on who should pay for health insurance after divorce.