When parents separate or divorce in Texas, child support covers more than just money for food, housing, and school supplies. Health insurance also plays a key part in supporting a child’s overall well-being. Texas law requires parents to ensure their child has access to affordable medical care through health insurance coverage.
Medical support as part of child support
In Texas, child support orders typically include a requirement for medical support. This means one or both parents must provide health insurance for the child if it’s available at a reasonable cost. The parent who provides the insurance can be either the one paying child support or the one receiving it. Courts look at which parent has the most affordable option through their employer or another source before making that decision.
How courts determine reasonable cost
The court defines a reasonable cost based on a percentage of the parent’s income. In most cases, it cannot exceed nine percent of the providing parent’s yearly income for medical coverage. If neither parent has access to affordable health insurance, the court may require the parent paying child support to also pay cash medical support. This ensures funds are available to cover health care expenses directly.
Dental and additional coverage
Texas law also includes dental support as part of child support obligations. Similar to medical coverage, the court may order one or both parents to provide dental insurance or contribute cash payments toward dental costs. This ensures that children have access to preventive and emergency dental care in addition to medical treatment.
If a parent loses a job or their insurance changes, they must notify the other parent and the court as soon as possible. The court can modify the order to make sure the child continues to have uninterrupted coverage. Keeping communication open helps both parents stay compliant with the child support order and maintain consistent health care for their child.