When parents are no longer together, both are responsible for addressing health insurance. This can, however, play out in various ways depending on the specific circumstances. Generally, the parent with the child support obligation is responsible for the children’s medical and vision coverage, but exceptions may apply. An experienced San Antonio child support attorney at Cook Law Firm can help you better understand your children’s health insurance costs in relation to your child support case.
Medical Support in San Antonio
In Texas, medical support is a required component of child support orders, so health insurance coverage must be addressed. The primary goal is to ensure that children have ongoing access to the health care they need without unfairly burdening parents financially. This involves addressing the cost of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket payments.
Common Approaches to Covering Insurance Payments
Often, the obligor (the parent who makes the child support payments) covers the kids’ health insurance costs through their employment-based insurance. If, however, the other parent has superior or more affordable coverage, they may be required to purchase it.
The parent who does not cover this expense is typically required to compensate the paying parent for their share of the cost. Out-of-pocket medical expenses are addressed the same way.
Health Insurance Considerations
Generally, the child support obligor covers the children’s health insurance. When the other parent has access to a better option through their employer, however, it’s likely in the children’s best interests to go that route.
In Texas, the obligor’s responsibility as it relates to health coverage must be reasonable in relation to their overall income. This means not exceeding nine percent of their annual resources.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
The kinds of out-of-pocket medical costs that parents often need to navigate include all the following:
- Medical deductibles
- Prescription costs
- Dental expenses
- Orthodontics
- Mental health counseling
While these expenses are generally split evenly between the parents, this isn’t always the case. The percentage each parent is required to cover depends on their income and other relevant circumstances.
Keeping Detailed Records
For these additional costs, which are specified by amount, it’s essential to maintain detailed records on both sides, including payments and reimbursements. Having copies of medical bills, invoices, and receipts helps ensure that payments are processed fairly and that disputes do not arise.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Lawyer Today
The cost of your children’s health insurance coverage is an essential component of child support. The skilled San Antonio child support attorneys at Cook Law Firm have the experience, compassion, and legal insight to help ensure your children’s best interests are well protected. Your case is important to us. Contact us online or call us at 210-740-0281 today.