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Health insurance for a child of divorce?

My divorce degree states that I must provide health insurance for my daughter. My daughter also has health insurance through her fathers employer (he doesn't have to pay anything to have her on his plan). The company I work for has filed bankruptcy and I am out of a job in just a few weeks. Do I need to sign up for COBRA? It is very expensive and without a job, I will not be able to afford the premiums. I am just afraid that my ex can take me to court or to do something to me since if I don't sign-up for COBRA I am not following the divorce degree......although my daughter will not be without medical coverage since she is on my ex's policy. I appreciate any advise I can get...thank you!! Yes, my daughter currently has two health insurance coverages (her father's coverage is considered secondary insurance). Legally I am the one responsible to provide health insurance coverage for her...I pay 100% of the premiums and we split all other costs 50/50. I really won't be able to afford health insurance for her until I get a new job and the job market is tough right now.

Public Comments

1. That's very odd ....re-read the divorce papers. Usually they state that ONE parent has to hold insurance on the child. That is what mine, and everyone I know, states. If not, talk to your lawyer ...or the the court. I'm sure as long as the father holds insurance, and he doesn't have to pay ...as long as it is adequate coverage ..it would be fine for him only to cover her.
2. If you have a decent ex it won't be a problem. Anything not covered by insurance should be paid 50-50 by both parents.
3. Does your daughter have two policies now? I would explain the situation to the ex and not worry to much, he would have to take you to court. Worse come to worse you could apply for medcaid or chips.
4. if you think you can get a job in a short amount of time, I might just not do it. Tell your attorney whats going on. You might have to pay 100% if she goes to the Dr. but if she is a healthy child its alot cheaper.
5. You definitely do not want to allow a lapse in coverage for your child. Anytime you do not maintain continuous health insurance coverage then you can set yourself up for a lot of headache and trouble by disqualifying yourself from certain guaranteed issue health insurance plans such as plans mandated by the HIPAA laws. If your daugher is healthy then you should purchase an individual health insurance plan for her on the open market from some reputable company like a United Healthcare, Humana, Blue Cross, Aetna, etc. Individual health insurance plans are typically about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a group health insurance plan with similar benefits. Additionally, depending upon your household income levels for the next little bit you may also want to consider the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offered by your state. Here is some more information on health insurance for children: http://www.healthquote360.com/Family_Health_Insurance/Health_Insurance_for_Children.php