How Are Medical Expenses for Children Divided After Divorce?

How Are Medical Expenses for Children Divided After Divorce?

Going through a divorce brings up many questions, especially when children are involved. One of the most common concerns can be how to handle a child’s medical expenses. From routine check-ups to unexpected emergencies, understanding who covers what is often crucial for your child’s well-being and your financial stability.

In Michigan, the division of a child’s medical expenses follows specific guidelines. Here’s a quick summary:

• Health Insurance: The court will typically order one parent to maintain health insurance for the child, as long as it’s accessible and available at a reasonable cost.
• Ordinary Medical Expenses: A fixed annual amount for routine costs (like co-pays and deductibles) is built into the child support order.
• Extraordinary Medical Expenses: Costs that exceed the ordinary amount are split between parents based on their income percentage.

At Iafrate & Salassa, P.C., our experienced family law attorneys have helped numerous clients navigate these and other matters related to custody and divorce. With over 50 years of combined experience, we provide the reliable, cost-effective legal advice you need to face these challenging seasons of life.

Are Medical Expenses Included in Child Support?

In Michigan, child support payments will include a portion of medical expenses. The Michigan Child Support Formula is used to determine a fixed annual amount to cover predictable, out-of-pocket costs like co-pays, deductibles, and other uninsured expenses.

The parent paying child support contributes their share of this annual amount through their regular monthly payments. The parent receiving support is expected to cover their portion as costs arise. This system is designed to handle routine medical needs efficiently while enabling both parents to contribute appropriately.

How Are Insurance and Uninsured Medical Expenses Paid After Divorce?

Your court order should clearly define how to handle health insurance and any remaining costs.

Health Insurance Coverage

The court must order at least one parent to provide health insurance for the children if it is available at a “reasonable cost.” According to Michigan law, a reasonable cost is generally no more than 6% of the parent’s gross income. The court considers factors like the cost and accessibility of coverage to decide which parent is best suited to provide it. The cost of the insurance premium is then factored into the child support calculation, with both parents contributing based on their share of the family income.

Uninsured Medical Expenses

Any medical cost not covered by insurance is an “uninsured” expense. These are divided into two categories:

1. Ordinary Expenses: These are the routine, out-of-pocket costs covered by an annual amount included in the child support order.
2. Extraordinary Expenses: These are significant, often unpredictable medical costs that go beyond the ordinary annual amount. These expenses are divided between the parents based on their income percentage. The parent who pays the bill must request reimbursement from the other parent.

Get Clear Guidance on Your Legal Rights

Navigating medical expenses when child support is involved can feel overwhelming, but this journey is not one you have to do alone. The attorneys at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C., are here to provide the supportive, results-oriented representation you deserve. We can help you understand your rights and work to create, modify, or enforce a fair arrangement that prioritizes your child’s well-being.

If you are facing a divorce or have questions about your child support order in the Metro Detroit area, contact us today for cost-effective legal solutions and compassionate counsel.