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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Lois is a “Rock Star” I was very worried about my daughter who was in a really bad marriage. I started researching divorce attorneys and found Lois Brenner. I called her, discussed my daughter’s horrible marriage and she agreed to meet with us. Since my daughter’s husband wanted out of the marriage too (he was cheating), Lois suggested she help them dissolve their marriage in mediation. To my surprise it worked out. Lois was able to keep my daughter and husband from fighting during their sessions, and she helped them resolve all their financial issues. Since I was paying the fees to help my daughter, not having to go to court saved us a great deal of money. As a father, I am truly grateful for everything Lois did. Her talks with me in the beginning of the process, to calm me down, really helped. I would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of divorce.- Graham (happy dad)
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“No words can express what you have done for our family!”- Ken
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When my daughter was sideswiped and served with a summons by her husband we called Lois Brenner. I had met Lois when she was giving a seminar on Marriage and Finances. I thought she was really smart. I never dreamt I would be calling her to help my daughter. When we went to see her she put our minds at ease. We immediately knew she was the attorney for us. She managed to negotiate a really good settlement with my son-in-law’s attorney. She was tough and always returned our phone calls and responded immediately to our emails. We even heard from her on weekends!! She was determined to keep us out of court and guided us every step of the way. She was our Angel!!! Mary B.- Mary B
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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!
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“We are forever grateful!”- Donna and Frank
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I have hired Mrs. Brenner and had the best experience with her in my complicated and intense divorce. She was there for me all the way, always answering promptly any questions I had. She gave me the best advice, in such a caring and kind way. She has an amazing team of specialists, that will cover any needs you might have. I highly recommend Mrs. Brenner, you can feel she’s got your back!- JN
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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 - Beena T.
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“We saved thousands of dollars!”- Gloria
