When does the non-custodial parent's medical insurance coverage stop for a child of divorced parents?

Answer 1

It would depend on why it stopped. If the non-custodial parent lost his or her job and their medical insurance along with it, the courts may not expect the unemployed parent to maintain medical insurance if doing so would be financially impossible. However, child support would continue as all states allow unemployment benefits to be garnished for that purpose. If the non-custodial parent is unemployed, it's doubtful the remaining unemployment benefits would be enough to purchase medical insurance for the child, but if the custodial parent wanted to push it, he or she could file an action against the non-custodial parent for enforcement, but you can't get blood from a turnip. All that may result is the non-custodial parent going to jail making it impossible for them to seek work and harder to find a job with an arrest record after they get out. It would be easier to see if the child qualified for Medicaid and used that until the custodial parent found another job and could put the child on the new insurance plan.

If the insurance was dropped "just because", in that case, the custodial parent should file notification of violation or a motion for enforcement in the court with jurisdiction over the child.

Answer

It would depend on the laws in effect at the time (regarding to what age a child can be covered on a parents medical insurance), the separation agreement if any and any child support orders in effect. You should review all the court orders in your file and speak with an advocate at the court or an attorney if you still have questions.