Medical Child Support Order
A Medical Child Support Order MCSO) is a court or state administrative order that requires a parent to provide health coverage or financial support for a child’s medical needs.
What is a Medical Child Support Order?
State courts or agencies issue Medical Child Support Orders pursuant to domestic relations law. These orders require a parent to either enroll a child in available health coverage or provide financial support for the child’s healthcare.
In the context of employer-sponsored group health plans, a type of MCSO known as a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (QMCSO) may apply.
Why is a Medical Child Support Order important to a small business?
If an employer that sponsors a group health plan receives a Medical Child Support Order, the employer may be required to provide coverage to the employee’s child, if the order meets applicable requirements.
Employers subject to ERISA must follow specific procedures, including:
- Determining whether the order is “qualified” (i.e., a QMCSO)
- Notifying the employee and any alternate recipient
- Administering coverage in accordance with the order, if qualified
What is the history of Medical Child Support Orders?
Medical Child Support Orders were strengthened through amendments to federal law in the 1990s, including updates to ERISA and the Social Security Act. These changes aimed to ensure that children have access to employer-sponsored health coverage when available.
Summary
Courts or state agencies may issue Medical Child Support Orders when requiring a parent to either provide:
- Financial support for the child’s healthcare expenses, or
- Health coverage for a child through an employer-sponsored plan
