Divorce & Health Insurance

Recently, I had a question from someone who wassuggestion is that when you hire an Attorney to
going through a divorce and was concerned aboutassist with your divorce, you might want to ask, in
lost health insurance coverage because she wasthe settlement negotiations, to have the price of the
covered under her husband's insurance. She wasCOBRA payments included in your settlement. This
concerned not just for herself, but for her children aswould be particularly important if you happen to have
well. This question comes up a lot. See is this answerthe early-in-the year birthdate, and will be paying for
helps you better understand what to do. If you havethe children's health insurance coverage. This cost
additional questions on this topic, feel free to add toshould not have to come out of your child support,
the blog, and I'll answer them.Medical Insurance andas it can be VERY EXPENSIVE.4) Whatever you
DivorceTo answer your questions specifically, heredecided to do, keep all documents together.
are some ideas to consider.1) You and your childrenWhenever you talk to anyone, document to whom
are automatically covered under your husband'syou talk, get the name and tele #, and what was
insurance as a dependent until you divorce.2) Whensaid by all in the conversation as soon as possible
your divorce is final, you have the opportunity toafter the conversation. In this way, you document
continue your husband's insurance by triggering whatwhat is said, and do not have to rely on memory.
is called "COBRA". (Note: there is another blog entryAlso, when you send anything to anyone, keep a
that defined COBRA.) This will continue yourcopy for yourself, and send it by registered mail, so
coverage for an additional 18 months; unfortunately,that you have proof of receipt.About & Carolyn is a
you will have to pay the full cost of the coveragewebsite designed to assist each person in his/her
(and the company can have you pay 102 - 105% ofown unique quest to navigate through the difficult
the coverage cost).Your children, by law, willand often conflicting and misleading information about
becovered under the parent's coverage whose birthcoping with disabilities.
date occurs first in the calender year.3) One