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Avoid Losing your Health Insurance Coverage after Divorce

Guest post by Scott Morgan

Going through a divorce can be a very traumatic experience. You feel like your world is collapsing, so it is hard to think clearly. It is important that you do not lose your health insurance coverage. You never know when you might become sick or insured and need medical attention; therefore, health insurance is crucial to avoid huge medical bills. If you are going through a divorce, here are a few options to consider in order to keep your health insurance coverage.

COBRA

If a company or business that has over 20 employees employs your spouse, you might qualify a program to keep your health insurance coverage. COBRA, or Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, permits you to keep heath insurance if a situation arises in which you might lose coverage. This plan could allow you to maintain coverage for three years after your divorce. You must pay premiums, and you could be required to pay additional fees. You need to inform your administrator within 60 days following your divorce, and he will inform you about your right to elect a continuation of coverage.

Obtain Coverage through your own Employer

Even if you qualify for COBRA, it could be cheaper to purchase health insurance coverage through your own employer. If you were not working, chances are that you will need to get a job in order to support yourself. You need to talk to your employer about health insurance plans that are offered. You can then purchase health insurance through your employer, and you will maintain health insurance coverage.

Purchase Individual Insurance

If your health is good and you do not smoke, you will probably qualify for individual health insurance. You can find numerous affordable plans with low deductibles. Search online and find a reputable provider that offers quality medical insurance. In some cases, the court will consider the cost you pay in health insurance when determining alimony payments.

Medicaid

If you cannot afford health insurance coverage after divorce, you might be eligible for Medicaid. The program was established to allow all people access to health insurance. Some of the requirements in order to qualify for Medicaid include:

• You must be a United States citizen
• You must have children under 18 or be pregnant
• You must meet the income qualifications

Each state will differ on Medicaid requirements, so you need to check the laws in your state to see if you qualify. If you are pregnant, you will need have proof that you are carrying a child.

Negotiate Reimbursement of Premium Cost in the Divorce Settlement

When going through a divorce, you probably have hired a lawyer to protect your rights. You might be able to negotiate health insurance coverage. Your lawyer could be able to make sure your health insurance coverage is maintained.

It is important to keep your health insurance coverage. Therefore, you need to take the proper steps and research your options to ensure that you will have medical insurance.

About the Author

Scott Morgan is a board certified family law attorney and the founder of the Morgan Law Firm. The firm takes cases throughout Texas and has offices in Houston, Austin and Sugar Land.

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