ANSWER
No, the non-custodial parent does not “have to” provide health insurance. However, if you do provide health insurance your child support is reduced dollar for dollar for the amount you pay for the child’s portion of the health insurance. Therefore there is no down side to paying for the health insurance. Also, depending on the benefits you have through your company, you may be able to take advantage of some tax savings (FSA or HSA (healthcare savings account)) for these expenses. There are courts that may order you to provide health insurance, esp. if the custodial parent does not have the resources to provide health insurance — in the end the best interests of the child is the court’s paramount concern.