Understanding Health Insurance Obligations in Texas Child Support Cases
Health insurance is a vital part of every child support order in Texas. The state requires that all child support arrangements address not only financial support but also medical coverage. Parents often overlook the details of how health insurance responsibilities are divided, which can lead to confusion or enforcement issues later. Understanding how Texas law approaches medical support ensures that both parents meet their obligations while protecting the child’s well-being.
At the Barrows Firm, we help parents navigate the full range of child support issues, including medical coverage and reimbursement requirements. Knowing what is expected can prevent future disputes and promote cooperation between co-parents.
Texas Office of the Attorney General: Changes in Medical and Dental Coverage
Medical Support as Part of Child Support
Under the Texas Family Code, “medical support” is a required component of every child support order. This means that in addition to paying monthly child support, one or both parents must ensure that the child has health insurance coverage. The court will identify which parent is responsible for providing coverage and how the costs are to be divided.
Medical support typically includes:
- Health insurance premiums (through employment, private plans, or Medicaid)
- Uninsured or out-of-pocket expenses (such as copays, deductibles, dental, and vision care)
The court’s goal is to make sure children have consistent, reliable access to healthcare without putting an unfair burden on either parent.
Who Provides the Coverage?
The parent ordered to provide health insurance is known as the “obligor” for medical support. In most cases, this will be the parent who pays child support. However, if the other parent has access to affordable insurance through their employer, the court may order that parent to provide the coverage instead.
Texas defines “reasonable cost” as health insurance premiums that do not exceed nine percent of the providing parent’s annual resources for medical coverage alone. If insurance at a reasonable cost is not available, the court may order cash medical support, which means the paying parent contributes a set amount toward the child’s health coverage provided by the other parent.
Sharing Uninsured Medical Expenses
In addition to premiums, parents are usually required to share uninsured or out-of-pocket medical expenses. This often includes deductibles, prescriptions, dental visits, orthodontics, or mental health counseling. The most common split is 50/50, but courts can adjust percentages based on income and circumstances.
To avoid conflict, parents should keep detailed records of all payments and reimbursements. Receipts, invoices, and proof of payment can be essential if one parent later disputes the amount owed. Written communication through email or a co-parenting app helps ensure accountability and clarity.
When Health Insurance Changes
Employment changes, job loss, or a new marriage can all affect insurance coverage. The parent responsible for providing coverage must notify the other parent and the court of any changes within a reasonable time. Failure to maintain health insurance can lead to enforcement actions by the Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) or the court.
Parents should also review coverage annually to ensure it remains affordable and adequate. If circumstances change significantly, a modification of the support order may be necessary.
Why Medical Support Compliance Matters
Courts take medical support obligations seriously because they directly affect a child’s health and safety. Non-compliance can lead to wage withholding, license suspension, or other enforcement penalties. More importantly, it can disrupt a child’s medical care when one parent fails to maintain coverage or reimburse expenses.
By staying proactive, parents not only fulfill their legal duties but also show the court and their children that they take health and well-being seriously.
Learn About The Child Custody Modification Process in Texas
How the Barrows Firm Can Help
Every family’s situation is different. At the Barrows Firm, we help parents understand and manage their child support and medical support responsibilities. Whether you need help modifying an existing order, enforcing reimbursement, or navigating insurance changes after divorce, we provide knowledgeable guidance to protect your rights and your children’s needs.
Contact the Barrows Firm in Southlake today to schedule a consultation and ensure your child’s medical support obligations are clear, fair, and enforceable.
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