As part of your child support case, medical support may be ordered in addition to financial support. This ensures that your child receives the health care coverage and medical resources they deserve.

If the non-custodial parent (NCP) does not follow the child support order, the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) uses a variety of enforcement tools to help ensure your child receives the support they are owed.

What is Medical Support?

Medical support is a legal obligation that may require one or both parents to:

• Provide health insurance coverage for the child
• Pay a portion of medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance

This requirement is included in the child support order issued by Family Court. Legal paternity or parentage must be established first.

How Medical Support is Enforced

For Parents

• You may be ordered to provide health insurance if it is available at a reasonable cost through your employer, union, or other group plan.
• If you already have coverage, your employer will receive a notice to enroll your child and withhold premiums directly from your paycheck.
• You cannot cancel coverage unless you submit proof that comparable insurance is available elsewhere.

For Employers

• Must enroll dependents as ordered and withhold premiums as instructed
• Cannot delay enrollment due to seasonal restrictions like Open Enrollment periods
• Must return a response within 20 days of receiving the medical support order

For Insurers

Insurance companies must:

• Provide equal coverage regardless of the child’s Medicaid status, adoption, or pre-existing condition
• Allow the custodial parent to submit claims directly and receive reimbursements
• Comply with federal and state mandates regarding medical support

Questions?

Call the DCSS Customer Service Unit at (302) 577-7171 for help with medical support, enforcement actions, or payment questions.