Health Insurance for Divorced Individuals
There are many emotional and financial challenges and obstacles that individuals face when getting divorce. Unfortunately, dealing with changes in the estranged couple’s health insurance policy can be one of them. Quite frequently, at least one individual finds him/herself without a health insurance policy at the end of a divorce. Thankfully, there are many ways to avoid or remedy such a situation.
Divorced and looking for a health plan? Request a health insurance quote today!
Consider this situation. Joe and Daphne are a married couple. They have a family health insurance plan through Joe’s employer. Joe and Daphne decide to part ways, and divorce. Daphne no longer has a health insurance plan, and doesn’t feel that she can afford a private policy with her diminished, post-divorce income. any individuals find themselves in exactly this type of situation when they divorce. If you're in a similar situation, read the following sections of this article:
Separation, Divorce Agreements and Your Health Insurance Options
- Separation: When a couple divorces, they are no longer considered a family, so someone is inevitably booted off of a family health care plan. You can, however, delay divorce, and declare separation instead. Separations can last for years, and a couple can remain on the same family health insurance policy. This tactic buys time to search out new health insurance choices.
- Divorce Agreement: While entering into divorce negotiations, consider including healthcare in the debate. If negotiated successfully, an individual can end up paying either COBRA costs, or new health insurance policy costs for the insurance-less individual.
Health Insurance Options for Divorced People
- COBRA: This option is quite expensive, but COBRA is designed to help people who lose coverage due to job loss, death, or divorce.
- Employer Coverage: Health insurance plans are offered by employers of a number of companies. Types of plans, eligibility and rates may vary. Find out if your company offers a health insurance plan that may work for you.
- Short Term and Private Health Care: If you want immediate health care coverage while you are searching for a new health insurance policy and don’t care to use COBRA, consider using a short term health care plan. Most short term policies have life spans ranging from a few months to a year, and they protect you during unforeseen and catastrophic health crises (trips to the hospital, etc.) but not day to day health needs (check-ups, etc.). Short term policies can put your mind at ease while you search for health insurance policy appropriate for your needs.
Divorce is usually a rough journey for all those involved. There are many financial and emotional mountains to climb during the process. While you are going through the divorce process, don't neglect your health. There are many health plan options that are available to you.
Don't neglect your health. Ask for a health insurance quote now!
Last Updated : Friday, August 31, 2007