When parents in Illinois go through a divorce or separation, child support is one of the first things that needs to be worked out. Most people know that child support helps pay for basic living costs like food, clothing, and housing. What surprises many parents is that health insurance is part of it, too. If you are dealing with a child support order in 2026, here is what Illinois law says about medical coverage for your child. A Wheaton, IL child support attorney can help make sure your child is fully protected.
Does Illinois Child Support Have to Include Health Insurance?
Under 750 ILCS 5/505 and 750 ILCS 5/505.2, Illinois courts can require one or both parents to provide health insurance or other medical support for a child as part of a support order. The court can require a parent to add the child to an employer plan, buy a private plan, or pay cash medical support, a set dollar amount paid toward the cost of coverage, if no affordable insurance is available.