On behalf of The Walters Law Group, Ltd. posted in Divorce on Friday, September 27, 2013.
The Affordable Care Act may make it easier for couples in Illinois to decide whether to stay in their marriage or get divorced. Health insurance is often a major factor for adults over 50 years of age. The 115,000 women who lose their private health coverage due to divorce every year would not have to worry about their eligibility after divorce as a result of the ACA.
Older women who are not employed or do not have access to health insurance at work because they only work part-time or their employer doesn’t offer coverage will be able to buy reasonably priced coverage when the new law fully takes effect. Women who decide to stay married only because of health insurance may now decide that divorce is a better option for them.
After the divorce, health insurance subsidies may be available for both former spouses. If the working ex-spouse pays alimony to a non-working ex-spouse, their changes in income may help them qualify for assistance with their insurance costs under the new law. The Medicaid program may expand in some states to allow more divorced people to qualify for state benefits.
When women over 50 decide to get divorced, they may face a lot of life changes. The ACA may help them maintain their physical health, but there are also financial concerns during and after divorce. An attorney with experience in divorce cases may be able to help an older woman get the spousal support and assets she needs to start a life on her own. Such an attorney may also be able to determine what benefits she may be entitled to under plans that cover her ex-spouse.
Source: Market Watch, “Obamacare could ease divorce’s financial sting“, Elizabeth O’Brien, September 25, 2013