Title 23
2021
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Quick Tips for the Dental Office
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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.
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
Title 23
Title 23 prevents non-custodial parents from pocketing money intended to pay for health care services.
2021