Last year, the federal government made changes to requirements for medical support obligations in Child Support under title IV-D of the Social Security Act. The State of Ohio then passed legislation in accordance with federal law that resulted in changes to the Ohio Revised Code. Previously, the Ohio Revised Code required that all child support orders require the obligor and/or obligee (a.k.a. the person paying child support and the person receiving child support) to provide available private health insurance. The new revised code adds that the obligor pay cash medical support during any period in which the child is not covered by private insurance. Given these changes, child support orders will now contain two child support obligation amounts. 1.) an amount when health insurance is provided and 2.) an amount when health insurance is not provided plus the cash medical support amount. The cash medical support obligation will be $0.00 if the obligors annual income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level.

These changes to the law can make a big impact if you have a child with significant medical expenses and do not have private insurance available. If you have any questions regarding the new medical support guidelines or believe your child support arrangement should be restructured to encompass these changes, contact a lawyer immediately.

This article was written by
Linda J. Lawrence
LAWRENCE LAW OFFICE
24 W. William St.
Delaware, OH 43015
740-362-1919
www.LawrenceLawOffice.com

This publication is not intended to provide legal advice on specific subjects.  The resolution of legal issues depends upon the specific facts of a particular situation and the laws involved.