Medical Insurance
Medical Insurance
Michigan law requires each child support order to contain a clause regarding medical insurance. The order requires parents to obtain and/or maintain health care insurance for the children if that coverage is available at a reasonable cost as a benefit of employment. In addition to this provision, the order will also contain a clause dealing with those medical costs not covered by insurance.
The National Medical Support Notice (NMSN) and Order for Dependent Health Care Coverage
Federal and state law require that the Friend of the Court notify parents employers to enroll the dependent children in health care coverage. The Notice of Order for Dependent Health Care Coverage is the form sent to the employers. The notice is sent whenever the parents change employment.
How to object to the Notice of Order for Dependent Health Care Coverage?
The Notice is to be sent to the employer within two business days of the Friend of the Court learning of new employment for the parent. Parents will be sent a copy of the notice. A parent has fourteen days to file an objection with the Friend of the Court. The objection:
1. Must be in writing
2. Must be signed and dated by the requesting parent
3. Must only object because; the cost is unreasonable, there is a mistake of fact, there is a lack of access, or there is third-party coverage.
4. Must include the case number.
How to amend the health care provisions of the court order?
Parents may wish to ask the Court to change the requirement that one or both parents maintain health care coverage through employment. If you are in agreement, you can prepare a new Uniform Child Support order, or request a joint meeting and the Friend of the Court may prepare an order designating the insurance policyholder. If you are not in agreement, you will have to file a motion or petition.
How to supply input to assist the Friend of the Court if it must select from healthcare options available under the employer’s healthcare plan?
Advise the Friend of the Court in writing within fifteen days of your preference if you are the custodial parent. You will have to ask the employer or the other parent what options are available. Indicate your preferences in order. The Friend of the Court may find that an option does not meet the reasonable cost test.
How reasonable cost is determined?
Pursuant to the 2025 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual , reasonable cost of coverage is determined by: A reasonable cost for providing private health care coverage does not exceed 6% of the gross income of the providing parent.
