Who Is Responsible for Healthcare Costs?

 Posted on January 01, 2019 in Divorce

One of the most pressing fixed costs that families are forced to meet every month is that of paying for healthcare. And if families are on a family plan, the idea of separating as a result of a divorce can raise questions about who will be responsible for healthcare costs following the divorce. Consider the following information about healthcare costs after divorce, and call our experienced Naperville divorce lawyers for answers to questions specific to your situation–

Healthcare Costs after Divorce – Who Pays?

If getting a divorce means that you may be dropped from your spouse’s health insurance plan, there are a number of options that you can consider. According to Healthcare.com, here are a few potential scenarios for navigating healthcare after divorce:

1. COBRA coverage. COBRA coverage is a type of continuation coverage, and federal law mandates that those who would lose their benefits (due to termination of employment, or, in this case, divorce) are eligible for a continuation of health coverage at the group rate for a certain amount of time.
2. Seeking your own health insurance. Sometimes, getting your own insurance after a divorce will be more cost-effective than opting for COBRA coverage. You should explore coverage options through the Affordable Care Act marketplace exchange or talk to your employer about an employer health insurance plan.
3. Short-term coverage. If you are removed from your spouse’s plan and think that you may get better coverage in the future (i.e. from your employer), you may consider short-term health insurance coverage.

What Typically Happens?

Typically a divorce is a terminating event if you are on a spouse’s health insurance plan. You will need to investigate your options for obtaining your own plan after the divorce. Usually each person will be responsible for his and her own health insurance costs after the divorce.

Healthcare for Children

If you and your spouse have any children, they are entitled to healthcare coverage, regardless of what you and your spouse decide for yourselves. If a child is covered under a health insurance plan, the premium costs may be added to the child support order. If the child is not covered under a plan, the court may require that one or both parents provide coverage for the child if doing so becomes possible or may order one parent to seek public healthcare coverage for the child.

Navigating Divorce Can Be Tricky – Our Lawyers Can Help

Figuring out healthcare is just one of the many things that divorce coupes will need to face when parting ways. At the law offices of Fay, Farrow & Associates, P.C., our divorce lawyers serving Naperville, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lombard, Lisle, and Aurora are available to help you. Please call us today for your initial consultation or send us a message directly telling us more about your case.