Getting divorced can change the financial and insurance needs of a family. Insurance coverage for family members could change quickly and it's important to always have health insurance coverage. If you were previously covered under your ex-spouse's health insurance plan through her employer, you may still be able to maintain and use that coverage after divorce through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (also known as COBRA). Make sure you and any children involved in the divorce are able to use health insurance after the final divorce agreement has been entered.
Instructions
1. Find out if your ex-spouse's employer is required to continue medical coverage under COBRA. Your ex-spouse's employer, if covered under COBRA, will usually send out a notification to any family members covered under the insurance policy once the employer has been notified of the divorce. If you do not receive a notification from your ex-spouse's employer, visit the government COBRA website (See Resources) to determine if your ex-spouse's employer is covered under COBRA.
2. Extend the health insurance plan under COBRA if you qualify. Under COBRA, you and any children could be eligible for continued health insurance coverage under the employer's plan for up to 36 months from the date of divorce. If you qualify under COBRA, your spouse will need to maintain his or her insurance policy through their employer. Depending on your divorce agreement, the ex-spouse, even if covered under COBRA, may be required to pay premiums for health insurance.
3. Buy a new health insurance plan if you do not qualify under COBRA. Some people do not qualify under COBRA and will need to find and buy new health insurance coverage. It is best to discuss this before a divorce agreement has been entered. Include in any divorce agreements who will be covering any children and whether the ex-spouse will have to pay for new health insurance coverage. Health insurance coverage should be continuous. Do not allow coverage to lapse while divorce proceedings are pending.
4. Use the health insurance provided. Whether you are covered under COBRA or need to purchase new health insurance, you will get new insurance cards and information. Use this documentation to use your insurance plan. Under COBRA, you may be able to use the same doctors you used before, but if you have purchased a new insurance policy, read the details on the policy to determine which doctors you may visit who are covered under your new health insurance plan.
Tags: health insurance, covered under, insurance plan, under COBRA, covered under COBRA, ex-spouse employer, health insurance coverage
