Divorce can lead to several changes in your life, including adjustments to your health insurance coverage. If you were covered under your spouse’s plan, losing that coverage can create a significant challenge. You might wonder what options are available to ensure you stay protected after your divorce.
What happens if you were on your spouse’s plan?
If you were previously on your spouse’s health insurance plan, your coverage may end when your divorce is finalized. Typically, you can no longer remain on their plan after the divorce, unless you have dependent children under the age of 26 who still qualify for coverage. However, this doesn’t mean you are without options.
What are your options for health insurance after divorce?
After divorce, you may qualify for special enrollment in the health insurance marketplace. This allows you to sign up for a new plan outside of the usual open enrollment period. You may also be eligible for your own employer’s health insurance plan if you are employed. If your income is low, you might qualify for Medicaid or other state assistance programs.
Can you stay on your spouse’s insurance under certain conditions?
In some cases, health insurance can remain in effect under certain conditions. If your divorce agreement includes spousal support (alimony), some insurance policies allow ex-spouses to remain covered for a period of time. This is not guaranteed, so you’ll need to check the specifics of your situation.
Exploring COBRA
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) offers another option to maintain your health insurance temporarily. If your spouse’s employer had 20 or more employees, you can continue your coverage through their plan for up to 36 months. Keep in mind, you will have to pay the full premium, which can be expensive.
Health insurance options after divorce can be complex, but there are paths available to help you maintain coverage.