Introduced in House
Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLETrack this section →
This Act may be cited as the Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026.
SEC. 2. MEDICAL CHILD SUPPORT ORDER REQUIREMENTSTrack this section →
(a) Public Health Service Act requirements Subpart II of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–11 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 2730. Coverage pursuant to medical child support orders In any case in which a child has benefits under the group health plan or health insurance coverage of a noncustodial parent (including a stepparent), such plan or the issuer offering such coverage shall— (1) provide such information to the custodial parent as may be necessary for the child to obtain benefits through such plan or such coverage; (2) permit the custodial parent (or provider, with the custodial parent’s approval) to submit claims for covered services without the approval of the noncustodial parent; and (3) make payment on claims submitted in accordance with paragraph (2) directly to such custodial parent or the provider.. (b) Federal Employees Health Benefits Program requirements Section 8904 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c) In any case in which a child has health coverage through the carrier of a noncustodial parent (including a stepparent) under the program established under this chapter, such carrier shall— (1) provide such information to the custodial parent as may be necessary for the child to obtain benefits through such coverage; (2) permit the custodial parent (or provider, with the custodial parent’s approval) to submit claims for covered services without the approval of the noncustodial parent; and (3) make payment on claims submitted in accordance with paragraph (2) directly to such custodial parent or the provider.. (c) Federal health care programs Part A of title XI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 1150D. Coverage pursuant to medical child support orders In any case in which a child has benefits under a Federal health care program through a noncustodial parent (including a stepparent), such program shall— (1) provide such information to the custodial parent as may be necessary for the child to obtain benefits through such program; (2) permit the custodial parent (or provider, with the custodial parent’s approval) to submit claims for covered services without the approval of the noncustodial parent; and (3) make payment on claims submitted in accordance with paragraph (2) directly to such custodial parent, or State agency (if applicable).. (d) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.