Health Insurance, Cancer and Divorce

When you are going through a Virginia divorce, health insurance is an important issue to consider. If you are also faced with a cancer diagnosis, maintaining your health insurance coverage is even more important.

In many cases, health insurance is provided by one spouse's employer. The policy covers the entire family. After divorce, the ex-spouses are no longer considered part of each other's families and therefore cannot be covered by the same policy. 

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, having health insurance is crucial. The costs of cancer treatments, doctor visits and prescription drugs can be astronomical. Additionally, your ability to see certain doctors and seek certain treatments may be compromised if you do not have insurance. Work with your Virginia Beach divorce attorney to discuss ways in which you may be able to avoid losing your health insurance coverage if at all possible.

If you are in a situation in which you were covered under your husband's insurance policy through work, you have a few options:  

• COBRA - COBRA is a federal law that allows you to continue coverage for a fixed period of time after you become ineligible because of divorce or job loss. COBRA is typically much more expensive than the premiums paid as an employee, but it is guaranteed coverage and therefore a very good option, though likely not a permanent solution.
• Individual insurance - if you have already been diagnosed with cancer, it might be challenging to find affordable coverage from an insurer. There are some government programs and individual insurance carriers that will offer insurance to people will pre-existing conditions. You will probably have to do quite a bit of research to find one and it is important not to let your current coverage lapse while you are looking.
• Employer coverage - if you are employed, your employer might be able to provide coverage for you in their group plan. Do your research first, before you lose your other coverage, to make sure that your employer's plan will take you.  

To learn more about the relationship between cancer and divorce, visit our article library.  

Contacting a Virginia Beach Divorce Attorney for Women

Our Virginia Beach divorce attorneys care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience and legal knowledge to help you focus on your goals for the future and your family. To learn more about Virginia divorce, request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.