Securing health insurance after divorce is a critical step that often gets overlooked in Palm Beach County.

Going Through a Divorce? Your Health Insurance Needs a Lawyer Too

Nobody plans their divorce around health insurance after divorce. But after helping dozens of Palm Beach County residents navigate coverage during divorce, I can tell you this: ignoring it will cost you.

Last month, Lisa from Boca called me in tears. Her divorce was final Monday. Tuesday, she went to fill her thyroid prescription. “Coverage terminated.” She’d been on her ex’s plan for 15 years and nobody told her she’d lose coverage. This is a common, painful reality of health insurance after divorce.

Your lawyer might be great at dividing assets, but health insurance after divorce? That’s where things get messy.

When You Lose Coverage (And When You Don’t)

The Hard Truth about health insurance after divorce: The moment your divorce is final, you’re off your spouse’s employer insurance. Not at the end of the month. Not with 30 days notice. That day.

But here’s what your lawyer might not know: Divorce is a “qualifying life event.” According to United Health Care, you have 60 days to get new coverage, and it can be backdated to avoid any gap in your health insurance after divorce.

Still Separated? You might be able to stay on during separation. Every plan is different, but legal separation doesn’t always mean insurance termination. Worth checking before you finalize anything.

Your Health Insurance After Divorce Options (Ranked by Real Life)

Option 1: Your Own Employer Coverage

If you work and have benefits available, this is usually your best bet for health insurance after divorce. Divorce lets you enroll even outside open enrollment.

Option 2: COBRA from Your Ex’s Plan

Yes, you can use COBRA for your health insurance after divorce. For 36 months, not the usual 18. But remember my COBRA post? It’s expensive.

Susan’s example: Premium as spouse: $300/month. COBRA for health insurance after divorce: $1,450/month.

Option 3: ACA Marketplace Plans

Divorce means special enrollment. Plus, your newly single income might qualify you for subsidies. This is often the most affordable health insurance after divorce.

Real win: Debbie was in a high-income marriage, no subsidies. Post-divorce income: $45,000. Her marketplace plan for health insurance after divorce: $127/month.

The Kids’ Coverage Maze

Kids can usually stay on either parent’s plan. But who’s paying? Your divorce decree better spell this out, or you’ll be fighting about orthodontist bills for years.

Smart moves:
– Keep kids on the plan with better coverage
– Specify who pays premiums AND out-of-pocket costs
– Include what happens when kids age out
– Document everything (trust me on this)

Pro tip: If one parent has much better insurance, maybe they cover the kids and the other parent pays more support. It’s all negotiable.

Timing Your Divorce (Yes, for Insurance)

I know this sounds crazy, but hear me out. If you’re getting divorced anyway, timing matters:

December Divorce: You’ve met your deductible, kids got their braces, had that surgery. Starting over in January costs money.

January Divorce: Fresh deductible year. Plus, if you’re going marketplace, you align with their plan year.

Before Your Ex Retires: Once they’re on Medicare, no more COBRA option for you. If they’re retiring soon, finalize first.

The Alimony/Insurance Connection

Your lawyer needs to know: Health insurance costs should factor into support calculations. That $1,200/month you’ll now pay for coverage? That’s real money.

I’ve seen judges adjust alimony when presented with actual insurance costs. Get quotes NOW, not after everything’s finalized.

Common Divorce Insurance Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Getting Your Own Plan Before Divorce
Fix: Start shopping 60 days before. You can’t enroll yet, but you’ll know your options.

Mistake 2: Forgetting About Adult Kids
Your 23-year-old on the family plan? They might lose coverage too. Check your specific plan rules.

Mistake 3: Missing the 60-Day Window
After 60 days, you wait for open enrollment. That could be months without coverage.

Mistake 4: Not Reading the Insurance Decree
“Maintain coverage for children” is vague. “Father pays 100% of premiums and 50% of out-of-pocket costs” is better.

Real Stories from Palm Beach County Divorces

The Executive’s Ex: Margaret’s executive husband had amazing insurance. COBRA quote: $2,100/month. Marketplace plan: $310/month after subsidies. She used the savings to pay for her kid’s college.

The Business Owner: Tom owned a small business, bought family coverage privately. In divorce, he kept the plan, wife had to find her own. She discovered she qualified for $400/month in subsidies he couldn’t get.

The Teacher: Rachel taught part-time, no benefits. Divorce meant she qualified for Medicaid for the first time. Free coverage while she got back on her feet.

Your Divorce Insurance Action Plan

Before Filing:
– Know what coverage you have now
– Get quotes for individual coverage
– Factor insurance into support negotiations
– Consider timing if possible

During Proceedings:
– Keep current coverage active
– Document all insurance discussions
– Get specific about kids’ coverage
– Plan for the transition

After Finalization:
– You have 60 days – use them
– Enroll in new coverage immediately
– Update all providers with new insurance
– Keep divorce decree handy for enrollment proof

Don’t Let Insurance Be Another Divorce Battle

Divorce is hard enough. I’ve helped dozens of newly single Palm Beach County residents find affordable health insurance after divorce and avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you’re planning, in process, or suddenly single, let’s make sure health insurance doesn’t become another source of stress.

Call me at 954-646-3666 or email yheaven@aol.com. Completely confidential, and I promise I’ve heard it all.

P.S. Lisa, who lost coverage when her divorce finalized? She’s now happily covered for $225/month with better benefits than she had before. Sometimes endings really are new beginnings.

Yvonne Heaven helps Palm Beach County residents navigate health insurance during life’s transitions. Because divorce is hard enough without insurance surprises.