1. (1) As used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the following meaning:

   1. (a) “Accessible” – health care coverage for ordinary medical care available to the child(ren) within a 100-mile radius of their residence.
   2. (b) “Cash Medical Support” – an amount ordered to be paid toward the cost of health insurance provided by a public entity or by another parent through employment or otherwise, or for other medical costs not covered by insurance.

   3. (c) “Health Care Coverage” – includes any health care coverage for a child or children in an IV-D case. This includes:

      1. 1. Private health insurance, such as employment-based insurance and individually purchased health insurance policies including those purchased through state and federal healthcare marketplaces; and
      2. 2. Publicly funded health care coverage including Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), other state coverage plans, and coverage through Tricare or the Indian Health Service.

   4. (d) "Medical Support" – for a child or children in an IV-D case includes:

      1. 1. Health care coverage;
      2. 2. Cash medical support, including payment of health insurance premiums and co-payments; and
      3. 3. Payment of medical bills including dental or vision care.
   5. (e) “National Medical Support Notice” – the federally approved form used by the IV-D Child Support Program to enforce the provision of health care coverage for children which is provided through an employment-related group health plan pursuant to a child support order and for whom the employer is known to the State agency.
   6. (f) “Reasonable Cost” – cash medical support or the cost of health insurance is considered reasonable if the cost does not exceed 10% of the gross income of the obligated parent.

Author: Clifford Smith

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §27-21B-10, Rule 32 Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, 42 USC 666(a)19; 45 C.F.R. 303.31-303.32, ALABAMA STATE PLAN - CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT DIVISION.

History: New Rule: Filed August 6, 2009; effective September 10, 2009. Amended: Published September 30, 2019; effective November 14, 2019.