Why am I seeing this message?
Because under the guidelines, the amount you have entered for cost of health insurance exceeds what is considered "reasonable". Iowa Code Section 252E.1A establishes what amount is considered "reasonable". Look at 252E.1A(3)Click Here to see the portions of 252E.1A as amended effective October 1, 2018.
3. The court shall order as medical support for the child health care coverage if a health benefit plan other than public coverage is available to either parent at the time the order is entered or modified. A health benefit plan is available if the plan is accessible and the cost of the plan is reasonable.
a. The cost of a health benefit plan is considered reasonable, and such amount shall be stated in the order, if one of the following applies:
(1) The premium cost for a child to the parent ordered to provide coverage does not exceed five percent of that parent's gross income...
(2) The premium cost for a child exceeds five percent of the gross income of the parent ordered to provide the plan and that parent consents or does not object to entry of that order. (Alft & Wilson Comment: the parent being ordered to pay an amount that is not reasonable consents if he/she does not voice an objection.)
What do I do if the cost is "unreasonable"?
Iowa Support Master will push and calculate any number you enter as cost of insurance. The only time it will not is when the income of the NCP falls within the shaded, low-income area of the guidelines. Get your guidelines handy. There is a "Guidelines" button in the program. Click on it and print them off.As with any dispute, the court will sort it out. You or the other party may not be happy but that's life. It's not fair.
Enter the number and print Form 1. Go with the numbers produced by Iowa Support Master. If a party objects, there are options:
Agree on the amount that is unreasonable and as set out on page 3 of Form 1.
Negotiate an amount of health insurance that is reasonable.
Adjust the amount of child support.
Adjust who will claim the kids to make up for the difference.
Change in the percentage share of uncovered expenses.
Go to the courthouse and have their day in court with the court resolving the case using one of the options above.
Be mindful that some of these solutions involve seeking a variance from the court.