Health Insurance After Divorce

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Not many guys know this, but you could be actively paying more than you should for Health Insurance after your divorce.

Many times, we take it for granted that certain things just take care of themselves. In my experience, my health insurance situation was one of those “lucky breaks” I received when my divorce was final. It could have been much worse and I hope I can save you some time and money with this article.

Most divorce settlements outline a period of time where both parties agree to continue the health benefits. So, where is the “reminder alarm” to tell us when to process or terminate the changes? Not many guys know this, but you could be paying more than you should. There are also a lot of guys continuing to pay health insurance benefits for their ex-spouses well past their legal obligation. How can you prevent this? The answer is simple: Know your health benefit termination date on your divorce decree and when the time comes, contact your health insurance provider and make the changes. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Review your divorce decree with your attorney. Get the facts first. Knowledge is power. Be informed and know your rights and options first before taking any actions. If you need a good lawyer, visit the Get Referrals page and find one in your area.
  • If you have discovered a change. Take the high road. Inform your ex of the possible change and how it may affect her. Ask her to mail her health card back. Give her notice, be polite and never use this as a weapon. Remember Karma.
  • Based on the evaluation, most HR Departments will have the forms to change the benefits. Your insurance company may need a copy of your divorce decree for their records as well to make the final change. Ask your Human Resource director what items you will need to complete the process.
  • It’s always worth the time to pick up the phone and call your attorney to review your work before you complete your process.
  • When the process is complete you will get a notice of change. Keep a copy of this document as well as another copy of the “line item” that states your rights on your divorce regarding the health insurance.

This process is very simple, but it can catch you off guard if you don’t know what to expect. It happened to me but all it took was a phone call to the provider, a fax of my proof and my ex and I went our separate ways. Please remember that if you don’t keep these records, you could get stuck with a collection notice, a dispute, and a bunch of wasted time defending your name, your credit, and your rights. I hope this article helps, and I look forward to our member feedback.

Richard JaramilloRichard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com,
a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children.
RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents
“Make Life Happen…Again!”

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Richard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com, a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children. RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents “Make Life Happen…Again!”