Norton Introduces Bill Requiring Health Insurers to Directly Reimburse Divorced Parents for Children’s Medical Expenses

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced the Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026, which would require all health insurers to directly reimburse a divorced parent who pays for reimbursable out-of-pocket medical expenses. In a divorce, one parent typically is court-ordered to provide health insurance for a child, but the other parent may pay for reimbursable out-of-pocket medical expenses. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, group health insurers are required to directly reimburse the parent who pays for reimbursable out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, other health insurers are not required to do so. This issue was raised by one of Norton's constituents.

"Families facing divorce are experiencing significant hardship," Norton said. "My bill would ensure that children are getting necessary medical care while easing administrative burdens on families."

Norton's introductory statement follows.

Statement of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the Introduction of the Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026

March 30, 2026

Today, I introduce the Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026. This bill would require all health insurers to directly reimburse a custodial parent for any out-of-pocket medical expenses for a child incurred by such parent if a court directs a non-custodial parent (including a stepparent) to provide health insurance for the child.

In a divorce, one parent is typically court-ordered to provide health insurance for a child. However, the other parent may pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses for the child that are reimbursable by the insurer. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, group health insurers are required to directly reimburse a parent who pays for reimbursable out-of-pocket medical expenses when the other parent has been court-ordered to provide health insurance for a child. However, other health insurers are not required to do so. This bill would require all health insurers to do so.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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