Tampa Child Support: Who Pays For Rising Health Care Costs?

If you are a divorced or single parent in Tampa, meeting your child’s needs regarding medical care is a top priority. Who is responsible for their healthcare coverage? What happens if they need glasses, braces, or specialized care? What if the other parent refuses to contribute?

Fortunately, Florida law requires both parents to share in their child’s healthcare costs, but enforcing those obligations is often frustrating. Our experienced Tampa child support lawyer explains your rights and how to help ensure your child gets the care they need, now and in the future.

What Florida Law Says About Medical Expenses in Tampa Support Cases

The rising cost of medical care is a serious concern, particularly for divorced or separated parents in Tampa. Under Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes, both parties must contribute to their child’s medical expenses as part of their child support arrangements. That includes monthly insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays, prescription costs, and other out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.

In Tampa child support cases, responsibility for paying medical costs is outlined in your child support order. However, problems often arise when parents:

• Switch jobs and lose or change insurance coverage.
• Disagree about whether a treatment is “necessary.”
• Refuse to contribute to therapy, dental, or mental health care.
• Violate the parenting plan by leaving the other parent out of decisions.

If your co-parent isn’t cooperating, you may have to pay out of pocket or delay care for your child. That’s when legal action is necessary.

How Tampa Parents Can Protect Their Children Against Rising Health Care Costs

According to an August 2025 Kiplinger report, Florida ranks within the top ten states in the country in terms of the high cost of health care. Including health care and medical expenses when negotiating child support is a top priority.

To prevent disputes later, your Tampa child support order should include specific provisions concerning medical costs. This helps ensure each parent understands their obligations and provides a clear path for enforcement if someone doesn’t follow through. These provisions should include:

• Naming which parent will carry insurance and how premiums are split.
• Requiring both parents to share copies of insurance cards and provider info.
• Setting deadlines for submitting receipts and reimbursing costs.
• Outlining what counts as an “agreed-upon” or necessary expense.
• Specifying how to handle unexpected or emergency care.

If your current order is unclear, outdated, or being ignored, our Tampa child support lawyer can help you seek a modification or take enforcement steps through the Hillsborough County courts.

Speak With Our Experienced Tampa Child Support Lawyer About Medical Expenses

Considering the high costs of health care, including medical expenses when negotiating child support in Tampa is a top priority. At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we take the steps needed to ensure your child is covered and help enforce existing orders if the other parent refuses to comply.

You can count on us to protect your financial security and your child’s well-being. Contact our experienced Tampa child support lawyer today and request a consultation to find out how we can help in your case.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

kiplinger.com/retirement/average-cost-of-health-care-by-age