Frequently Asked Questions About QMCSOs

What does an order look like?

View a sample medical child support order, but do not use it as an order.

What happens if an order doesn't specify the health plan to which it applies?

If the employee is enrolled in the plan, the child(ren) will be enrolled in the same plan as the employee. If the employee isn't enrolled in a plan but is eligible for coverage under the employer's plan that's designated as default coverage for QMCSO purposes, the employee and child(ren) will be enrolled in the default coverage.

What happens if the child already has health coverage and the order is approved?

If the order is approved, your plan coverage will be updated to state there's a QMCSO on file. When there's a QMCSO on file during the annual enrollment-in-benefits period, the employee can't drop the child from coverage.

What happens if my child already has health coverage and the order is denied?

If the order is denied, the child will remain covered as long the child is still eligible for coverage. Unless there's a QMCSO on file, however, the employee will be able to drop the child during the next enrollment-in-benefits period.

What happens if an order to terminate the QMCSO is received and the child is already covered due to a QMCSO?

If the termination order is approved, it's possible the child will still be able to continue coverage. Contact the employer's benefits center to determine if this is possible and your next steps.

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Who can submit an order?

Anyone can submit a medical child support order for review.

My order has been approved, but how do I get my health insurance card?

Contact the employer's benefits center about health insurance cards.

I'm an employee. How do I change the coverage that I was enrolled in as a result of a QMCSO?

Contact your benefits center for plan rules about changing coverage.

I was notified a child has been added to my coverage due to a QMCSO, but this is an error. What should I do?

Any party can submit an order requesting a child be added to coverage. If the order meets requirements, the child will be added to coverage. If you feel that a child was added to your coverage in error, you'll need to submit a new court order requesting a termination of a QMCSO.

How do I have the QMCSO status removed from my plan coverage?

Submit a new court order requesting a termination of a QMCSO.

My child has been declared an adult by the courts and I have a QMCSO. Can I remove this child from coverage?

This child may or may not be eligible for coverage depending on your employer's specific plan rules. Contact your benefits center to determine if the child is still eligible for coverage and for next steps. If your child is still eligible for coverage, you may need to get a new court order requesting a termination of a QMCSO.

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Do I need an attorney to submit my QMCSO?

No, you don't need an attorney to complete your QMCSO. You may work with the judge and courts directly. You should contact your local courthouse for its processes and procedures.

Is my divorce decree sufficient to be considered a QMCSO?

Typically, no. A divorce decree often omits some information that's needed for the employer's QMCSO requirements. Occasionally, the QMCSO is written into the divorce decree and contains all the necessary employer QMCSO requirements.

How do I get the employer's model language form?

You can get the employer's QMCSO model language on this site or contact us.

Do I need to send in a copy of my divorce decree with my QMCSO?

No. The Qualified Order Center doesn't need the divorce decree with the QMCSO. Because your divorce decree generally contains personal and confidential information not related to your QMCSO, you shouldn't send it.

I'm concerned about privacy issues. Do I have to include my Social Security Number in the order?

Typically, an order can't be approved without a Social Security Number. However, some employers have other options available instead of including the Social Security Number in the order.

Is a filed stamp acceptable for court certification?

No, a filed stamp isn't a court certification stamp. For court certification, the clerk of the court must certify the document with a stamp or seal that indicates the order is certified.

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