A long-anticipated change in Child Support cases has begun. Non-custodial parents must provide private medical insurance for their children, or pay cash medical support in place of insurance.

Starting Sept. 2, any new or modified Child Support order in Hamilton County contains a medical coverage order, except for non-custodial parents with income below 150 percent of federal poverty level ($15,600).

The cost of the cash medical support obligation cannot exceed 5 percent of the non-custodial parent's total adjusted gross income. 

New cash medical support orders are a way reimburse the custodial parent for medical costs and/or for states to recoup Medicaid dollars from non-custodial parents. 

The changes came from the federal and state governments. The feds broadened the definition of medical support, redefined reasonable cost, and required cash medical support obligation in the absence of private health insurance. The state put the changes in law and administrative rules. County Child Support Enforcement Agencies are implementing provisions. 

Funding for county Child Support agencies will include a formula that takes into account the percentage of medical support orders established each year.

Hamilton County Child Support conducted a workshop about the new orders for more than 75 attorneys in August. Child Support staff also received extensive training.

To view video of the training, click here