Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026
Child Health Insurance: Direct Payments for Custodial Parents
This bill was recently introduced in the House and is currently being reviewed by three different committees. It is in the very early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled. The bill is considered active as it waits for committee feedback.
Legislative Progress
While the bill addresses a common problem for families, it currently lacks broad bipartisan support and was introduced by a non-voting delegate.
Key Points
- This bill helps custodial parents manage their children's health insurance when the coverage is provided by a parent who does not live with the child. It ensures that the parent who actually takes the child to the doctor can handle the paperwork and get reimbursed for medical costs.
- Health insurance companies would be required to give custodial parents all the information they need to use the child's benefits. This means the parent living with the child does not have to rely on an ex-spouse just to find out what the insurance covers or how to use it.
- The policy allows custodial parents or doctors to submit insurance claims without needing permission from the parent who holds the insurance policy. This removes a major hurdle for families where parents may not communicate well or where one parent is hard to reach.
- Insurance companies would have to send payment for medical bills directly to the custodial parent or the doctor. Currently, some plans send checks to the person who pays for the insurance, which can make it difficult for the parent who actually paid the doctor to get their money back.
- These rules would apply to private group health plans, individual insurance policies, and the health benefits program for federal employees. If passed, these changes would start for insurance plans beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E290)
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.