This is a “guest post” from Don’t Divorce Your Money.

In the traditional marriage where the husband is the main wage earner, one concern is maintaining health insurance for the ex-wife after divorce. This is an important consideration if the husband is the one without health insurance, too, especially if they have pre-existing conditions.

It is not uncommon for women over 40 years of age to develop severe health problems. Some become almost uninsurable, at least at a reasonable cost. This is a real concern where they are suddenly on their own and responsible for acquiring health insurance.

The COBRA law passed in 1986 allows a spouse to continue to get health insurance from their ex’s company if it has at least 20 employees, for three years after the divorce. The normal COBRA provision states that, if an employee is fired or leaves a job, he or she can get health insurance from that company for 18 months. However, in a divorce, it is extended to 36 months.

Linda and Bob are getting divorced. Assume that Linda decides to continue health insurance under COBRA from Bob’s company. Linda must pay the premium as agreed. If she misses a premium payment, the health insurance company can drop her and they do not need to reinstate her.

Typically, Linda will not get the discounted group rate but will be charged the full rate. It is important to shop for health insurance, even though the COBRA provision may supply a quick solution to health care coverage, it may not be the best. It may be purchased at a lesser cost somewhere else.

There are two drawbacks to using the COBRA health insurance provision:

1. It’s usually very expensive because you’re getting the corporate health insurance plan but not the corporate billing rate.
2. If you have an illness or injury during the 3 years, you may not be insurable when the 3 years of COBRA is over.

If you’re healthy, I recommend getting your own health insurance policy NOW, even if you’re not yet divorced. Then if something happens, as long as you pay your premiums, you are covered. Otherwise, at the end of three years, COBRA drops you and you have to start shopping for your own insurance. At that time, you may not be insurable.

Even something like a breast cyst, anti-depressant medications, back problems or headaches can disqualify you for health insurance in some states. A friend of mine used her husband’s health insurance for acupuncture to relieve her stress and she is now uninsurable! Doctor visits, therapy, chiropractic, chiropractic and massage that’s paid for with insurance remains in your medical records when you apply for health insurance.

Most states have insurance for those who are uninsurable and cannot get health insurance any other way.  This insurance is often very costly. It is better to look ahead and get individual health insurance for a lower premium while you are still healthy than to gamble that you will still be healthy three years from now.

I know this is one of the “unfair” things about getting divorced. Health insurance is critical to your future financial, emotional and physical well-being. Our current health care laws and systems are a national disaster but you must work to make sure you and your health are taken care of.

A few legislative changes that would work in your favor are:

• A Public Option for health insurance purchases
• Elimination of disqualification for pre-existing medical conditions
• Portability – being able to take your current medical insurance to another job or another state
• Reasonable rates for self-employed or unemployed

This is a good time to let your Senators and Representatives know you need these changes to be made because all Americans need safe and affordable health insurance.

In the meantime, seek out an independent health insurance broker to find an individual policy for yourself NOW. Put it at the top of your list of “to do’s”!