Final answer:
The primary health insurance plan for a child after divorce is typically determined by the 'birthday rule' unless other custody arrangements or court orders dictate otherwise. This rule favors the plan of the parent whose birthday comes first in the calendar year.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to health insurance for children after a divorce, there is a standard rule known as the birthday rule that determines which parent's plan pays first. This rule states that the plan of the parent whose birthday (month and day, not year) falls earlier in the calendar year is the plan that pays first. For example, if the custodial parent's birthday is in February and the non-custodial parent's birthday is in June, the custodial parent's plan would be the primary plan for the children.
However, if there are different custody arrangements or if the court order specifies another arrangement for healthcare coverage, those terms would take precedence. In situations where the primary plan does not cover all of the expenses, the secondary plan, typically the other parent's plan, may cover the remaining costs. It's important to review the specifics of the healthcare policies involved and the divorce agreement to understand the coverage details fully.