Health Insurance following Divorce

[Diane _Arlington]

I live in Arlington, Texas and have started Divorce proceedings against my husband for Adultry and Cruelty. After 18 years of marriage he has left me for another married woman that he works with. Her husband does not live in this country. My husband has been mentally cruel to me for years and is an alcoholic. He has also been physically abusive to me on some occassions. He is a professional and is currently making 86,000.00 yearly and will be making more in the near future along with bonuses.
I found out in 1991 that I have MS (agressive/remissive) and in 1995 I went through a layoff, so I have not worked for the last almost 7 years. As a VP I had a good severance and retirement. By taking some of my retirement and all my severance at layoff, my husband agreed if I paid off some bills, it would be good for my health to stay home. I have done alot of charity and community volunteering in those years. Heat and Stress exaserbate the MS and I've recently found out that due to the stress from the marriage breaking up, the MS has progressed into the muscles of my esophagus and colon. I also have a problem with shaking.
I am uninsurable if I am on my own. My Nuerologist said I should not work a full time job due to my illness.
My question is, if I get alimony and can he be made to continue with health insurance once Cobra has expired after the divorce is final and have it added into the Alimony? I am looking for some type of part time work where I can either work out of my home or work no more than 25 hours a week. Although I have worked all my life until I was layed off in 1995, I'm sure if I ever need to qualify for Social Security disability, I will need to work several quarters and be paying into Social Security.
My lawyer says I can collect Cobra for three years, but has not said anything about what happens past that.
Can someone give me more information? This is my biggest concern. Thank you. Diane

 

[Grandma B]

Do you understand what COBRA is? It's a continuation of benefits which you only receive by paying huge premiums. Being eligible for COBRA only entitles you to use his insurance carrier for that three years, but you will pay the entire premium without the benefit of his company paying a share of it.

While you may be uninsurable on your own, when you are no longer eligible for coverage on his family policy following divorce, his insurance carrier should provide you with a letter stating that you have been covered through a given date. That letter should enable you to pick up other insurance coverage.

After 18 years of marriage, it is entirely possible that you might be granted alimony, at least for a stated period of time. You may or may not be granted insurance coverage paid by him, but you can definitely ask for it.


Good luck to you.