Health Insurance and Ending a Union

Divorce is a life-changing event, and it can impact multiple aspects of your financial and personal well-being, including your health insurance coverage. Whether you receive insurance through a plan connected to your spouse’s job or you are the person who provides coverage for your family, you need to be aware of how a divorce affects your health insurance coverage.

If you are going through a Florida separation and you have a list of financial questions you need addressed, connect with a legal expert. Talk to a Port St. Lucie family law attorney about how to secure an optimal divorce settlement for yourself and your children, if you have any.

How Divorce Impacts Health Insurance

There are a few immediate effects of divorce and one of them is the loss of spousal health coverage. If you are covered under your spouse’s employer-sponsored health plan, you will likely lose access once the divorce is finalized. It’s important to explore alternative options to ensure continuous coverage.

For individuals who provide health insurance for their spouse, it’s essential to understand that once the divorce is finalized your ex-spouse will no longer be eligible for coverage under your plan. That said, your children’s coverage is not automatically terminated. Health insurance coverage for minors should be outlined in the divorce agreement.

A handful of the ways to access coverage:

• COBRA coverage. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows a former spouse to continue coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan for up to 36 months. This can be costly since the employer will no longer subsidize the premium.
• Marketplace health insurance. The ACA Marketplace offers a variety of health insurance plans. Divorce qualifies for a special enrollment period, meaning you can apply for a new policy outside the typical enrollment window.
• Employer-sponsored plans. If you are employed, check with your employer about enrolling in their health insurance plan. Divorce is a qualifying life event that typically allows you to join a plan mid-year.
• Depending on your income level post-divorce, you may qualify for Medicaid, which provides low-cost or free health insurance coverage.

When it comes to addressing health insurance for the kids, typically the parent with the more stable financial situation or access to employer-sponsored benefits will continue providing coverage. That said, both parents may be required to contribute to healthcare costs, depending on the details of the situation.

Agree On Terms Now to Reduce Stress Later

Planning ahead is a way to be sure everyone has the health insurance they need. This can provide everyone with peace of mind. It is normal to have questions about health insurance when divorcing in Florida. Consult a knowledgeable Port St. Lucie family law attorney to move through the legal and financial complexities of ending a marriage with confidence.

Has the topic of who will provide health insurance for the kids complicated your divorce settlement discussions? The experienced lawyers at Baginski, Brandt & Brandt have the skills to ensure that health insurance concerns are properly addressed. To schedule a consultation, simply reach out.