Going through a divorce is a difficult process, and there is much to consider when it comes to separating yourself from a partnership you have built with your spouse. However, one of the most important things you can do for yourself during this time is make sure that you continue to have adequate health coverage, either by extending your current benefits, purchasing temporary coverage, or finding private coverage as a single person.
I was receiving spousal benefits under my partner’s coverage — what happens now?
After a divorce, you can continue receiving benefits under your former spouse’s insurance plan through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), a legislation that allows you to extend your dependent coverage for up to 36 months. You will have to pay the premiums yourself, and they can be very expensive, so you will want to treat it as a temporary solution.
You might also wish to pursue continuing health insurance coverage as part of your divorce settlement, and have your former spouse pay your COBRA payments while you search for a new provider.
If you and your ex-spouse were covered under a private family plan, you will have to notify your insurance company after your divorce is finalized and they will terminate your shared policy and each of you will have to re-enroll as individuals. COBRA does not cover individual health policies.
Next you will want to investigate whether your workplace offers a comprehensive group health insurance plan you would like to sign up with. Keep in mind that these plans often have an annual 30-day window to sign up for these benefits, so you may have to make alternate arrangements until you are able to sign up for coverage.
Another option is private insurance through an individual market plan. These plans tend to be more expensive than group or family coverage, but may be the best option for your current situation. These types of plans require you to be evaluated for health risk factors before they will extend coverage, and can sometimes deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.
If you find your COBRA coverage runs out and you have not yet found another insurance provider, you may want to consider purchasing short-term insurance, which is designed to bridge gaps between long-term service providers.
What can I do if I can’t afford health insurance?
If you find it difficult to obtain coverage or cannot afford it, you may want to see if you can apply for Medicaid or other state-sponsored insurance programs offered to qualifying low-income individuals.
