How to Obtain Health Insurance After a Divorce

Divorce is a stressful event, and worrying about losing your health insurance coverage makes matters worse. Health insurance is necessary coverage for medical services like doctor visits, medications and emergency hospitalizations. In some divorce cases, the judge will order one spouse to provide health insurance coverage for the other spouse, but only for a limited duration. Health insurance coverage options are available for a divorced person, but you must act quickly in order to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your employer. Ask what health insurance coverage options are available to you. Even if your business only has certain enrollment periods, some insurance companies allow an employee to enroll any time a qualifying event occurs, like divorce. Sign up for coverage that meets you needs and budget through your employer.

• 2

  Contact your ex-spouse's health plan administrator if you are on his insurance and cannot get coverage from an employer. You are eligible for COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage under federal law if your ex-spouse's company employs at least 20 people. Contact the plan administrator, usually the company's human resources department, within 60 days of the divorce. You will continue to be covered under your ex-spouse's plan for three years, but you must pay the full monthly premium.

• 3

  Obtain quotes from private health insurance companies. Visit the official website of the Department of Insurance for your state for a list of licensed insurers in your state. Visit each official website for the insurance companies and obtain quotes based on your needs. Do not select a family plan if your ex-spouse is the person designated to maintain coverage for your children. Write down the quotes. Note each additional cost next to each policy, such as co-pay per item. Select the plan that gives you the best rate and sufficient coverage.

• 4

  Visit your local Department of Social Services. You may be eligible for free or low-cost insurance because you no longer have your ex-spouse's income in the household. Ask a social worker what health insurance programs are available and get applications. Apply for the coverage and follow all directions on the application and from the Social Services staff.