Q: Should insurance premiums be included in the child support worksheet?

A: Yes, if the father is providing private health insurance, the portion of the premium attributable to the children should be included on Line 11 of the Child Support Worksheet. This ensures the cost is factored into the support calculation, even if only one parent is ordered to pay it.

A: Yes, health insurance premiums typically should be included in the child support worksheet in Washington. The child support guidelines account for ordinary expenses like medical care, and insurance premiums are a key part of that. If the father is paying for private insurance, the cost he pays is usually listed in the “health care costs” section of the worksheet.

Including the premium helps ensure that support is calculated fairly. It reflects the actual expenses each parent is contributing for the child’s well-being. Even if the mother isn’t required to pay for coverage, documenting the father's contribution gives a more accurate financial picture and may affect the overall support calculation.

If the order has been highlighted for editing, it may be because the original form didn’t list the premium amount. That section is important even if no change is needed to the coverage itself. You might want to check if the actual dollar amount of the premium has been entered and whether it aligns with the court’s current expectations for full disclosure of costs. Adding the premium, if missing, is typically the right step.