Divorce involves such a huge upheaval of our day-to-day lived reality, that it makes sense why someone would want to slowly lean into whatever changes can be made gradually. So many things will change so rapidly that it can be tempting to move more slowly on those adjustments that permit it. In that line of thinking, and if your circumstances are such that the arrangement wouldn’t be too stressful or awkward, is it possible to stay on your ex’s health insurance policy? Keep reading to find out, and for further and tailored information on divorce possibilities, please don’t hesitate to call a Union County divorce attorney today.
Health Insurance in the Wake of Divorce
Individuals typically have health insurance as a work benefit. Consequently, stay-at-home spouses and children will often be on their partner’s health insurance policy through their employer. When a divorce happens, either parent can keep their child on their policy. Usually, both parents will have to contribute to their child’s medical care and insurance.
However, after the divorce, the former spouse may not be considered family per the terms of the insured person’s work contract. This will prevent the otherwise uninsured spouse from remaining on the policy. In many situations, that would be the end of the story, and an uninsured ex would need to seek alternative insurance options.
Divorce settlements offer an opportunity for that anticipated and helpful gradual change. You and your former spouse will discuss every aspect related to the end of your marriage. Divorce settlements can outline child visitation and custody, marital property division, and even health insurance.
Several possibilities present themselves. If your ex agrees, you may be able to remain on the policy they have through work. (This will also require information from the insured party’s employer.) Your ex may help you by paying in whole or in part for your insurance costs.
What Options Do I Have To Get Insured Without My Ex?
That said, you may not want to stay on your ex’s insurance for any number of reasons. There may be hard feelings left that make this kind of economic entanglement less than ideal. You and your former partner may be planning to move far enough from each other that staying on the same plan would not be feasible.
In this scenario, the uninsured ex-spouse would have more restrictive options, but nevertheless, still options. In the short term, COBRA is a good option. Continuation of Health Coverage (also known as COBRA) will allow you to stay on your previous policy for 36 months, albeit at a higher cost given that the employer would not be contributing to the cost of COBRA. The uninsured spouse may start working and acquire insurance through their job. They might decide to purchase insurance through the New Jersey Marketplace.
