Children may require many forms of medical intervention that are not eligible for full insurance coverage. Some families only have health insurance and not dental or vision insurance coverage. Other families may end up responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, copays and the full cost of uncovered treatments.
Medical expenses can accrue rapidly when children need care, and parents are the ones who face collection efforts if they do not pay promptly. Child support documents often outline which parent should provide an insurance policy for the children. It can also address any necessary medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Which co-parent is usually responsible for the medical costs incurred by a child but not covered by insurance?
Parents usually split uncovered costs
Both parents have a responsibility to ensure that their children receive the medical care they need. In most standard shared custody scenarios where one parent may pay child support, it is common for parents to share responsibility for any medical expenses not covered by insurance.
The exact allocation of responsibility depends on several factors, including the incomes of both parents. Provided that the care was actually necessary, both adults may have a portion of responsibility for any of the uncovered expenses that insurance does not pay.
For parents preparing for custody and support negotiations, reaching a specific agreement about uncovered medical expenses can be helpful, as it makes financial obligations more predictable. Having legal guidance when establishing a child support order or interpreting it to address certain expenses can help parents to better ensure that their children get the care they need.