When you and your spouse marry, you will likely intertwine many parts of your life, from your bank accounts to insurance policies. As such, understanding what will happen to your health insurance should you divorce is critical. Unfortunately, this is not something many consider, which can leave them in precarious circumstances leading up to the finalization of the divorce. Understanding this process is critical, so you’ll want to keep reading. You’ll discover how the courts handle this matter and why you need a Los Angeles divorce attorney to assist you.
How Is Health Insurance Handled in a California Divorce?
When you and your spouse begin the divorce process, understanding what you can expect is crucial. In most instances, the judge will create temporary orders, one of which will likely prevent your spouse from altering your status on their insurance plan. This will help ensure you have coverage throughout your divorce so you can receive the necessary treatment and explore your options following the divorce.
However, in most circumstances, you will not be on your spouse’s plan once your divorce is finalized. This is because you are no longer a legal family member and insurance providers will not carry those who are not family.
It’s essential to understand that if you and your spouse have children, they will not lose their insurance coverage even if you do. This is because they are still dependent on your spouse for funds. As such, they are protected.
What Should I Do if I Lose My Coverage?
If you lose your health insurance because you were on your spouse’s plan, you still have options. Generally, you can receive insurance through your employer if you work, which is ideal as your employer will absorb some of the costs associated with this. However, if you sacrificed your career to support your spouse, this may not be possible.
Additionally, you may be able to sign up for health insurance under COBRA. This allows you to choose a plan separate from your spouse for up to 36 months. However, this can be expensive as you are responsible for the entire cost of the premiums.
However, you may also qualify for insurance under the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, or Medicaid. As such, you should explore all available options to help you better prepare for your life following the divorce.
Going through a divorce poses many challenges and considerations. For example, you’ll need to consider the division of your assets, how you will split custody, and whether or not you will request alimony. While these are all crucial, you shouldn’t forget about smaller matters like what will happen to your health insurance, as this can have a significant impact on your life. Luckily, the Zitser Family Law Group is ready to help you navigate these complex issues to ensure you’ve considered everything you need. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with these matters.
