Quick Tips for the Dental Office
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Title 23
Title 23 under the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Code ( 23 P . A . C . S . A . Section 4326 ), helps custodial parents and health care providers to receive payment from insurers in instances where payment is not forthcoming from non-custodial parents .
In instances where there are court issued child support orders , Title 23 allows custodial parents the ability to submit claims for payment from the noncustodial parent ’ s insurance , or authorize payment to a health care provider . Insurance companies are required to reimburse custodial parents or providers directly , even if the dentist does not participate with an insurance network .
Title 23 prevents non-custodial parents from pocketing money intended to pay for health care services .
Divorce and separation can be a difficult time in a child ’ s life . It is important that children continue to receive treatment , even if there is disagreement between the parents as to who is providing the insurance benefits .
What Do My Patients Need to Do ?
Custodial parents will need to obtain a court order that addresses health care coverage . Any court order should include the following :
• Name and last known mailing address of the parent providing the health care coverage
• Name of the child and last known mailing address
• Reasonable description of the type of coverage provided and the manner in which coverage is determined
• Designated time period in which the order applies
• Designated plan to which the order applies , if the coverage is provided through a group health plan
• A requirement that the order will automatically apply to a new employer if the non-custodial parent changes jobs
• The name and address of the custodial parent
cont ’ d
2021