In the middle of dividing assets and negotiating parenting time, health insurance might not seem like a top priority, but it should be. For many men, divorce means losing coverage that came through their spouse’s plan. And if you’re not prepared, the gap can be expensive, risky, and hard to fix.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we help clients in Illinois protect their health and their finances during and after divorce. If you’re wondering what happens to your health insurance once your divorce is finalized, here’s what you need to know—and how to plan ahead.
Will You Lose Health Insurance After Divorce?
If your health insurance comes through your spouse’s employer, your coverage typically ends as soon as the divorce is finalized. There is no grace period, and you won’t get a warning from the insurer, just a cancellation notice.
You do have a few options to continue coverage, but they come with pros, cons, and deadlines.
Your Options After Divorce
Here’s what most men in Illinois consider when facing the loss of health insurance post-divorce:
- COBRA Coverage: You may be eligible to continue your existing coverage through COBRA for up to 36 months. The downside? You pay the full premium—often $500 to $1,000+ per month—plus an administrative fee.
- Marketplace Plan (Healthcare.gov): Losing coverage due to divorce qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period, where you can choose a new individual plan. These options vary in cost depending on your income and coverage level.
- Employer-Sponsored Coverage: If you’re employed and your company offers benefits, you may be able to join your own workplace plan. You typically must enroll within 30 days of losing other coverage.
Whichever route you choose, it’s important to act quickly. Health insurance gaps not only leave you vulnerable, they can also cost you thousands if a medical emergency hits before you’re reinsured.
What About Your Kids’ Health Insurance?
In Illinois, the parent who provides health insurance for the children is usually specified in the parenting plan or child support order. That parent may be required to:
- Keep the child on their employer-sponsored plan
- Pay for private coverage
- Reimburse the other parent for the cost of insurance
If your spouse was covering the children and no longer can, that responsibility might shift to you, or it may be time to revisit your custody agreement and support order.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we help fathers make sure the health care side of things isn’t overlooked in divorce negotiations.
Can Health Insurance Be Used as Leverage in Divorce?
Sometimes, yes.
We’ve seen cases where one spouse delays the divorce or tries to pressure the other using the threat of losing health insurance. In other cases, a spouse may seek alimony specifically to afford their post-divorce premiums.
Health insurance has financial and legal implications, especially when spousal support is involved. That’s why it’s important to build a strategy around it, not just hope for the best.
Don’t Let Coverage Fall Through the Cracks
Most people are so focused on custody and money that they don’t realize their health coverage is at risk until it’s too late. We help our clients in Illinois understand what will happen to their benefits, what options are available, and how to protect themselves financially before the divorce is finalized.
If your divorce is approaching, now’s the time to start planning.
Contact Shark Lawyers for Men Today
Divorce changes everything and that includes your health insurance. The sooner you understand your options, the easier it is to stay protected and avoid unnecessary stress.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we don’t just handle custody and finances, we look at the full picture. Contact us today to find out how we can help you plan ahead and protect your future.
