Maintaining Your Health Insurance
There are many things to consider during divorce, and health insurance should be one of them. Having adequate health coverage is important, especially if you have children. When you work with our team at Lois M. Brenner, Esq., we can explain some of the health care options available when you are separated or going through a divorce. We have been serving and protecting NYC families for over 35 years.
Overlooking Your Health Needs Could Be a Costly Mistake
Divorce changes many things, but what it will not change is the fact that you and your spouse will continue to have concerns—not only about your own health, but also that of your children. And with those concerns comes the need to have adequate health benefits to cover your family members.
Overlooking your health needs can lead to costly mistakes in more ways than one, so if you are in the legal separation or divorce process, now is the time to look over all of your financial documents (health policies, life insurance, etc.). Talk this over with your legal counsel.
When a marriage ends, there are normally several options for acquiring health coverage for yourself and your children, regardless of who gets custody. Many times, it’s a matter of which option to pursue.
About the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federally mandated law designed to protect employees and their families from losing coverage as a direct result of divorce, death, job loss and other life circumstances. For example, if your spouse maintains coverage through a company, and that company employs at least 20 people, you may continue this coverage for up to one and a half or three years—provided you are willing to pay the premium or monthly fee.
Coverage Through Your Employer
If you are currently employed, and your employer offers an affordable healthcare plan that works for you and your budget or financial situation, then by all means see what it has to offer. Enroll if it fits your budget and meets you and your children’s medical needs. While years ago it may have been cheaper to get coverage under your ex-spouse’s policy, this may no longer be the case in today’s market and health care environment.
Coverage as a Part of Your Divorce Settlement
Ask, if you were to find your own health benefits, whether or not you can be compensated by your spouse for a portion or all of the cost in the divorce settlement if you need this financial assistance.
Purchasing Individual Health Insurance
In some cases, purchasing individual health insurance may be your only or best option. Once again, you may have to pay the monthly fee on your own, but you can find out what is available. Ready or not, divorce brings changes – some may be welcome, some not. But try not to let financial issues became a reason to stay in a relationship that no longer works, because it may be costly to the mind, body and spirit of everyone involved, including your children.
To learn more about your healthcare options, call us at Lois Brenner, Esq.: (646) 663-4546.
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When I first decided to hire a divorce attorney, I thought a male attorney would be best. Lois Brenner really surprised me. Although she has written a divorce book on women’s rights, she is totally an advocate for men as well. She really understood how much I loved my kids, and listened and understood all the horrible things my wife was doing to destroy their relationship with me. She didn’t miss a beat and really went to bat for me. She reached out to my wife’s attorney every time my wife made any attempt to disrupt my visiting our kids and always demanded the best results. She made herself available, even when she was on vacation! Lois has been there every step of the way in these difficult circumstances. I highly recommend her.- Sam
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Connecting with Lois was the best thing that could have happened during what has been very difficult and fraught divorce. Lois took on my case with knowledge, wisdom and care that have been above and beyond in every way. She recognized abusive and unstable behavior in my ex-husband, and offered both strong legal guidance, as well as personal encouragement and strength to stand up to him. Her support has been invaluable to me, and I am so deeply grateful for everything she has done in helping forge a better more stable future for me and for my son.- SC
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Lois Brenner was great to work with. She was very thorough and efficient! I would recommend Lois to anyone seeking an amicable divorce.- RW
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I had a complicated situation wherein I had to get a divorce through publication as my husband and I had not been in contact for 5 years and I was out of the US for a few years. (it was an abusive marriage) I reside in Buffalo and I spoke with several attorneys locally but I did not feel that any of the local attorneys were able able to understand my situation. Some suggested that I locate my husband, and each one of them wanted to start by identifying and listing the assets. Unsatisfied, I started looking for attorneys in NY city, and I found Ms. Brenner through Avvo. During the consultation, she was extremely kind and understanding and agreed to take on my case. Ms. Brenner helped me get a divorce through publication and she/her team took care of everything. All I had to do was provide her with documentation. I am grateful to Ms. Brenner for helping me get out of a sticky stressful situation. I would definitely recommend her to anybody in a similar situation. Thank you, Ms. Brenner.
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I had read about Lois’ unusual divorce method in one of her blog posts. It was refreshing to see someone was working with the psychological issues in divorce. My husband is bipolar and getting him to agree to a divorce and commit to the process was tough. When we met with Lois she really understood him. She immediately identified his mental health issues, and because she has a psych background, she was empathetic to his needs and was skillful at guiding him through her divorce mediation process. It took a while but she really got us to a point where we could actually discuss things without my husband blowing up. Her method is unique and it really helped in our situation. She actually recommended a great psychiatrist who changed my husband’s meds at her urging (she has a medical degree too), and my husband is coping much better. We can’t thank her enough for her compassion and advice! If you need a divorce attorney, especially if mental illness is a part of the fabric of your marriage, go see Lois! Thanks Lois - Lorna P.
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"Like at First Sight!" We consulted Lois on the best, most cost-effective way to get divorced. First, she extended a free in-office consultation to us. It was supposed to be one hour; it was an hour and a half. She was gracious, didn’t rush us, explained thoroughly all the ins and outs of going to court, and answered thoroughly lots of our questions. She also shared lots of great information on divorce mediation, which we really knew nothing about, and now we have decided mediation will be the best route for us. We knew in the first 10 minutes that we really liked and trusted her. We are starting our mediation process with her next week. We are really looking forward to working with her. We feel strongly she is the best person for us.- Jen
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“Expert, Compassionate Counsel”- Alisa
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My divorce was very stressful time. Since we were able to agree with my ex-husband on many important issues I originally thought that I will be able to fill in all the necessary documents by myself. It turned out that it is nearly impossible task. The amount of paperwork was overwhelming! I was not happy with some lawyers I've approached - too expensive, too impersonal, too aggressive. When I met Lois everything changed. For very reasonable price she was able to help us - talked to both of us, gave us great suggestions. Everything went extremely well. It was quick and painless. We could not thank her enough!
