Family Law Pointer - Health Insurance in Divorce
In divorces, it’s common that one spouse (and kids, if there are any) is on the other spouse’s health insurance. If you are getting a divorce and are on the your spouse’s policy, you should check to see how long the insurance will be effective once a divorce decree is entered. This can be immediate (the day of the decree), at the end of the pending pay period, or at the end of the month in which the divorce decree is entered. Every plan is different so it is important to check the plan as you proceed through the divorce process with your divorce attorney.
If you have a medical procedure planned and the divorce decree is entered shortly beforehand, this could have an enormous impact on whether the procedure is covered by your policy. In Iowa, there is also typically a delay from the time the divorce decree is entered and when the divorce attorneys on the case are notified by email that the divorce decree has been entered. You may be divorced without knowing about it for a few days, until the divorce attorneys are notified (and then you are notified). Plan ahead if you are engaged in divorce proceedings and consult with your divorce attorney for guidance on the specifics of your situation.
Every situation is different. This is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
