Should I (divorced) add my daughter to my plan too?

My daughter is on her step-mother’s insurance. It was written in my divorce decree with my ex that he would provide insurance for her. We have joint custody, but I believe I would be considered the custodial parent, as she stays with me 9 of 12 months of the year.

If I add my daughter to my health insurance, my premiums will not increase – the options are employee-only and family, and I am already on the family plan. Deductible for my plan is $750 for individual, $1500 total for family (we usually meet the family deductible). Her step-mother’s plan is high deductible plan with an HSA for what it’s worth. I’m supposed to pay half of all costs that aren’t picked up by insurance, but they haven’t ever enforced that due to me making significantly less money. I’m always concerned that may not be the case in the future.

According to the birthday rule, my insurance would be primary. I’m not sure if the divorce decree, or the fact that her step-mother (rather than father) is the named subscriber on her current plan would have an impact. I would guess they would still leave my daughter on their plan even if I added her to mine, but I’m not certain.

My questions: 1. Whose insurance would be considered primary? 2. Is having her on two plans likely to save either sets of parents money? I’m supposed to pay half of all costs not picked up by insurance (this hasn’t always been the case in the past, but I worry they might enforce it in the future). 3. Are there any other complicating factors I should consider?

Any answers, advice, or suggestions for things to consider would be greatly appreciated!

ETA: my coinsurance is 20% for most in network stuff.

submitted by /u/mammiejammies
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