When facing divorce and concerned about health insurance coverage, it's important to know that during divorce proceedings, a spouse is required to maintain the other on their health insurance plan. Violating this can lead to legal consequences. After divorce, the dependent spouse may be eligible for continued coverage under the federal law COBRA for up to three years, albeit at a higher cost. This option ensures no gap in coverage, allowing time to find alternative insurance. However, COBRA isn't available for individuals aged 65 or older, as they can access Medicare.
Financially disadvantaged spouses, especially in long-term marriages, may have the cost of health insurance included in alimony. During the divorce process, the spouse providing health insurance must give a 30-day notice of cancellation and provide information on COBRA benefits. For children, the parent providing health insurance usually continues to do so after divorce, with the cost factored into child support calculations. In summary, while losing spousal health insurance post-divorce is inevitable, avenues like COBRA, alimony, and court orders regarding children's coverage can help mitigate the impact.
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