unnessary medical bills

[Nurse2849]

What is the name of your state?ohio

Court order states my husband is responsible for ins. on his son. His ex pays the 1st $100.00 per year, and they split the remainder (co pays, deductions, etc). So, he has insurance and is willing to pay medical bills as stated, but does he have to pay for unnecessary bills? Such as top of the line frames for eyeglasses, and several pair in a 2 year period? They are supposed to have joint parenting, but she does not communicate with him and he has no say as to why, when, and where the son is taken for vision, medical, dental care.I feel there should be limits. Any suggestions?

 

[Inquiry123]

Discuss Limits...

Eyeglasses are not an unnecessary medical expense.

However, if your husband has joint legal custody, he may want to work with Mom to establish some normal boundaries to help rein in some of the expense.

For example...He might communicate that he will reimburse his share of co-pays, etc. for Jr. to see the dentist bi-annually and the optometrist annually. He might stipulate that the insurance covers preferred providers at a higher percentage...and providers outside of the "network" would be reimbursed only to the extent that would be expected had a preferred provider been used. He might indicate that he will reimburse up to $100 per year for eyeglass frames...and suggest repair/replacement coverage if Jr. tends to lose or destroy his glasses.

I would suggest that this be done in writing to document his attempt to be involved. He could request that any further medical care (apart from emergency care) be communicated between the parents prior to care being obtained in order to facilitate the best possible care for Jr. as well as allow an opportunity to explore more economical avenues. Use only professional language and DO NOT make accusations ("You don't seem to care how much you spend on glasses...")

Stick to your guns. Promptly pay as he has indicated. Save all reciepts and be prepared to go back to court. The courts see this kind of stuff everyday...they will look for reasonableness. Is it reasonable for Jr. to have glasses? Yes. How many pairs is excessive/cosmetic? How much should a pair of frames cost? $200? $800? By trying to set some boundaries and showing the court that he is communicating his willingness to pay reasonable and normal expenses, your husband will be doing himself a favor.

DON'T be cheap...be reasonable. Good luck.