To go along with standard child support obligations, parents are also required to pay for any uninsured medical expenses. This is anything not covered by insurance, including but not limited to deductibles, co-pays and prescriptions.
Depending on your state, the child support order may outline the percentage of uninsured medical expenses that you are responsible for paying.
Regardless of the state in which you live, there may come a point when you face challenges in regards to paying uninsured medical expenses. The same holds true if you are seeking reimbursement from the other parent. When collecting reimbursement, here are some things to consider:
— You only have a certain period of time to contact the other parent and request that they pay a portion of the uninsured medical expenses.
— If the parents disagree regarding the medical service, it may be necessary for the court to determine whether a payment should be equally split.
— Depending on your state, payment can be made from one spouse to the other or directly to the medical provider.
Failing to pay for uninsured medical expenses can have the same result as neglecting to pay regular child support. This can lead to wage garnishment, license revocation and taking tax refunds.
As a divorced parent, you should always know where things stand in regards to your child’s medical care and your obligation. When it comes to uninsured medical expenses, there are quite a few details to consider. If you face any confusion, don’t hesitate to learn more about your legal rights to ensure that you’re making the right decisions.
Source: FindLaw, “Child Support,” accessed June 15, 2017