When you and your spouse get married, you will likely intertwine your lives. This includes your bank accounts, life insurance policies, and health insurance. This is something many couples do, especially when one spouse leaves the workforce to care for children. However, in the event you divorce, understanding what will happen to your medical coverage is critical. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll discover how divorce attorneys in Nassau County can assist you through these matters to help you prepare for life after your divorce.
If My Spouse and I Divorce, What Happens to Our Health Insurance?
When you and your spouse divorce, generally, the policyholder is not impacted. However, the dependant on the plan must take the necessary steps as they will likely be removed from the plan once the divorce is finalized. This is because the spouse whose plan it is has no legal obligation to keep you on the plan since you are no longer legally married upon the finalization of your divorce agreement.
During your divorce proceedings, the judge will likely issue an automatic temporary support order to keep you on your spouse’s insurance. This allows you to get the treatment you need without fear of inability to pay. Additionally, this grants you time to explore your options after the divorce is finalized.
If you and your spouse have children, you should understand that they will not be impacted by this change. If your spouse is the policyholder, your kids will retain their coverage as they are dependants of the spouse, even if you lose yours.
What Should I Do if I Lose My Insurance?
If you are not the policyholder and will lose your coverage upon the divorce, understanding what options you have to get medical coverage is crucial. One of the most common options is to obtain insurance through your employer if you are employed and eligible for coverage. This is ideal as your employer will partially cover the costs.
However, if you are not employed because you left the workforce to care for your children, you could opt into the COBRA plan, which allows you to remain on your spouse’s insurance for up to 36 months following the divorce because this is a qualifying life event. This is, unfortunately, very expensive, as you must pay 100% of the premium costs.
Finally, you may qualify for government plans under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, or Medicaid. It’s necessary to explore all your insurance options following a divorce so you get the best plan possible for your needs.
When you are going through a divorce, understanding what happens to the things you may not consider is crucial. At Barrows Levy, PLLC, we know how complex these matters can be. That’s why our team is committed to helping you through these complex issues. Contact our firm today to learn how we can guide you through the complexities you may face.
