How To Handle Out-Of-Pocket Medical Expenses

Question:

My divorce lawyer advised me to get doubles of my children’s medications because there are times when my ex-wife does not send the proper amounts with the kids when they come to visit.

I pay these costs out-of-pocket because my insurance won’t cover it. How can I get reimbursed for these expenses? Can I contact my children’s insurance company or must my ex-wife do that since she’s the policyholder?

I’m trying to do what’s best for our children’s health, but it is increasingly difficult to cover these costs out-of-pocket.

Answer:

I am unable to give you legal advice on divorce. I can give general divorce help for men, though, my knowledge is based on Maryland divorce laws where I am licensed to practice.

Typically, the policyholder of a health insurance policy would be the individual who would have to contact the provider to determine whether a reimbursement can be made.

If a reimbursement cannot be arranged with the health provider, the parties also have the ability to enter into an agreement with each other to determine how out-of-pocket medical expenses will be addressed by the parties. This may help offset any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by either or both parties.

The parties have great flexibility in how they decide to address out-of-pocket costs. For example, they may elect to divide the costs equally or split the costs in proportion to their respective incomes.

By resolving the issue of out-of-pocket medical expenses through an agreement, the parties can clearly define how expenses will be divided and have a mechanism for enforcement in the event that either party fails to contribute his or her share of the costs in accordance with the agreement.

Remember, I am unable to provide you with anything more than divorce tips for men, so please consult with a divorce lawyer in your jurisdiction.

Cordell & Cordell has men’s divorce lawyers located nationwide. To schedule an appointment with a divorce attorney, including Maryland Divorce Lawyer Jeff J. Kim, please contact Cordell & Cordell.