Monthly healthcare costs for children including insurance premiums, copays, dental, vision, and mental health treatment are not included in the basic child support obligation. They must be shared proportionally based on each parent's income share under RCW 26.19.080.
RCW 26.19.080(2): Healthcare costs are not included in the economic table. Monthly healthcare costs shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic support obligation. Healthcare costs include medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, chiropractic, mental health treatment, prescription medications, and other similar costs.
Line 10a: Monthly health insurance premium paid for children (not the portion covering the parent or other household members).
Line 10b: Uninsured monthly healthcare expenses paid for children.
Line 10c: Total monthly healthcare expenses (10a + 10b) per parent.
Line 10d: Combined total healthcare expenses.
Line 14: Each parent's share (Line 6 × Line 13).
Line 16a: Credit for expenses paid directly.
Healthcare expenses increase total child support beyond the basic transfer payment. The parent who pays insurance directly receives a Line 16a credit. Courts verify insurance premiums — only the portion covering the children is included, not the parent's own coverage.
Divide the family premium by total number of people covered. Multiply by number of children covered. Only include the children's portion — not the parent's.
Use a monthly average. Divide the annual total by 12. Document actual costs with receipts or insurance statements.
Yes. If insurance costs change substantially either parent can petition for modification of the healthcare expense allocation.
Use our 2026 Washington State estimator to see how these legal terms impact your support amount. All calculators are RCW 26.19 compliant.