[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 60 (Monday, March 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE ENSURING CHILD HEALTH COVERAGE COMPENSATION IN 
                          DIVORCE ACT OF 2026

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2026

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, 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 noncustodial 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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