Can stepparents provide insurance for stepchildren?

Question:

I am the stepmom of two children. My insurance is cheaper and much better than the children’s father/my husband.

He is ordered to provide health, dental, and vision insurance on the children. Can I carry the insurance on the children even though he is the one court ordered to do so?

Answer:

Typically, so long as stepchildren qualify under your health, dental and vision insurance plans because of the biological father’s marriage to you, then this would be permissible since he would still be providing the insurance even though it is through your plan.

That being said, you may need to provide updated health, medical and dental insurance cards and information to the children and biological mother since this may cause a change in the insurance provider, co-pays, etc.

However, given the particularities of state and local rules, I would consult an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction to ensure you are in compliance with these state and local laws.

Cordell & Cordell has men’s divorce lawyers located nationwide should you seek additional legal advice or representation.

 

Emily J. Barry is a Staff Attorney with the Indianapolis office of Cordell & Cordell, where she practices family law exclusively with a focus on men’s divorce. She is licensed in the state of Indiana, and US District Courts of Northern and Southern Indiana. Ms. Barry is also a certified mediator in the state of Michigan. Ms. Barry received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Hispanic Studies cum laude from Connecticut College. Later, she received her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law with a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution.