MICHIGAN CHILD SUPPORT FAQ #5: Do Both Parents Have to Carry Health Insurance?

“Do both of us have to provide health care coverage for our child?”

Typically, no.  The parent that is providing the health care coverage for the child at the time that the Judgment or Order is entered will usually be required to maintain that health care coverage as long as it is available at a reasonable cost.  Even though one parent is ordered to maintain the health care coverage, the cost paid by that parent for providing the health care coverage for the child is included in the child support calculations.  Through the child support, the other parent will pay his or her share of the health care coverage based on both parties’ incomes, causing either an increase in child support or a decrease in child support, depending on which parent is receiving the support payments.

The Court shall not require both parties to provide health care coverage unless the parents already provide coverage or both parents agree to provide coverage.

Both parties are required to keep Friend of the Court informed of any health care coverage that is available to him or her or maintained by him or her. 

(MCL 552.605a)

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is not intended to constitute legal, financial or tax advice.  We do not recommend making important decisions of the type addressed in this article without specific legal or tax advice in advance.  We at Banfield Couling Law and Mediation are here to help navigate your legal matter at any stage of your divorce. For any tax issues you face, we recommend consulting a licensed accountant. If you are seeking legal advice, the attorneys at Banfield Couling Law and Mediation are here to assist you.