How Can I Deal With Child-Related Medical Expenses During My Divorce?

 Posted on May 11, 2020 in Child Support

In the United States, healthcare can be an extremely complicated topic, especially for children. After a divorce, many parents find that managing the medical care of their children may be wrought with arguments, tension, and stress. Although there is no guarantee that you can eliminate all issues down the road, planning for your child’s healthcare before your divorce is finalized is a good idea. Some children may need more managed, targeted medical treatment, while other children may only need a yearly checkup. Every family is different, so putting your child’s medical plan in writing can help save you from future disputes.

Managing Your Child’s Health Insurance

Part of the child support obligation that parents share is intended to cover some basic medical expenses, but the court will likely also require you to have medical insurance for your child. Either parent can opt to include the child on medical insurance coverage that he or she has through an employer. The cost of the health insurance premium for the child is typically added to the monthly support amount and split between the parents.

If only one parent has coverage, then that parent will add the child to his or her plan. If both parents have coverage, then one parent may designate his or her health coverage as “primary” for the child, while the other parent may designate his or her coverage as “secondary,” which should help cover any costs that the primary insurance does not address. If neither parent has insurance coverage, the court can order the parents to purchase insurance for the child.

Who Pays for Out-Of-Pocket Expenses?

A portion of the monthly basic child support order is supposed to be used to cover some out-of-pocket medical costs that the child may incur, such as prescription costs. However, other out-of-pocket costs for medical care can arise. In many cases, insurance only covers a portion of costs related to care, leaving parents responsible for the rest. In most cases, the court will order the parents to share out-of-pocket costs for dental or orthodontic care, along with vision care, such as eyeglasses or contacts, and any other necessary expenses.

Contact a Kendall County Divorce Attorney

When you and your spouse are constructing your child’s parenting plan, it is important to include information about how medical issues pertaining to your child will be handled after the divorce. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we have successfully helped hundreds of families create parenting plans that include various topics, including medical insurance coverage. To speak with a knowledgeable Yorkville parenting plan lawyer, call our office today at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/3-key-topics-managing-childs-medical-care-after-divorce

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59