Ensuring Child Health Coverage Compensation in Divorce Act of 2026

This bill seeks to enhance the ability of children to access health benefits when covered under a noncustodial parent's health plan. It proposes amendments to the Public Health Service Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, and the Social Security Act to establish new requirements for various health coverage providers. The legislation aims to streamline the process for custodial parents to manage their children's healthcare needs by ensuring better access to information and direct claim processing. Specifically, the bill mandates that group health plans , health insurance issuers (both group and individual), Federal Employees Health Benefits Program plans, and Federal health care programs must comply with several provisions. These include providing necessary information to the custodial parent for the child to obtain benefits, permitting the custodial parent (or a provider with their approval) to submit claims without requiring the noncustodial parent's approval, and ensuring that payments for covered services are made directly to the custodial parent or the provider. These changes are intended to reduce administrative hurdles and ensure timely access to care for children, applying to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.