Child Support Fact Sheet

click here for a PDF version of this page Medical Support   What is a medical support order? Medical support exists when the court orders one or both parents to provide medical insurance for a child. The medical insurance required is health not dental and vision. Child Support Services will periodically send a letter requesting proof of medical insurance to the parent required to provide it.   What if the required parent will not provide medical insurance? ·         If the required parent is employed and health insurance is available at group rates, your worker will send the required parent’s employer a notice requiring the employer to enroll the child or children in the medical plan. ·         If the required parent is not employed or does not carry private insurance, your worker can file a contempt motion with the court. If the required parent still refuses to provide insurance, the penalty could include jail time.   What if the parent required to provide medical insurance cannot afford the rates? The required parent should request a change in their child support order called an “order modification”. To request an order modification, complete the form Request for an Administrative Review of a Court Order (ODJFS 01849). If you don’t know your worker’s name and address call 946-7387. If you are required to provide medical insurance for your children and you change employers: ·         First, enroll your child in the new medical plan. ·         Second, call your caseworker and provide the name of your new employer and insurance company. If you leave a message for your caseworker be sure to leave your full name and your social security number. My child support order says that medical expenses not covered by insurance should be split between both parents. Can child support make the other parent pay their share? No. Splitting medical expenses is not a medical support order and it is not possible for Child Support Services to enforce paying these types of expenses.