Once people plan for pregnancy there are so many things added to the to-do list from researching about the best hospitals, Best Gynecologist, Best Plan, Best Products, best items to best everything.
But one of the most important thing to should be added to the list is selecting the Best Health Insurance or Adding your little one to Your Health Insurance Coverage.
Now there may be many questions in ones mind when it comes to baby health insurance, like:
- How do I get health insurance for my new baby?
- When does the special enrollment window start?
- Health coverage if you're pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or recently gave birth.
Don't worry we've got you covered.
Here's a guide from what to choose, what to do & where to find it.
First of all, do your research before you sign up for a plan for your new baby. Wherever you get health insurance, keep these things in mind:
1. Your current plan may not be the cheapest. If the premiums are high or your child’s doctor isn’t in the network, it may not make sense to add your baby to your current plan. Do your homework and compare any alternatives.
2. Make sure the plan is a qualified health plan. That means it’s certified by the Health Insurance Marketplace and meets the Affordable Care Act’s minimum required coverage. It will provide essential health benefits, including well-child visits and vaccinations. These plans have limits on deductibles, co-payments and out-of-pocket maximums.
3. Adding a baby to the family is a big milestone. Adding them to your health insurance is an investment in their future health and happiness. And it will feel good to get another big “to do” checked off the list.
Birth and adoption are considered qualifying life events. That means you can add your baby or adopted child to your plan within a certain window of time.
Now to answer the questions:
When does the special enrollment window start?
If you have an employer-based health plan, the special enrollment period is at least 30 days after your child’s birth or adoption. If you have a federal or state marketplace health plan, it’s 60 days. No matter when you enroll your child during that window, the policy will start covering the medical bills from the day of their birth or adoption.
How do I get health insurance for my new baby?
Birth and adoption are considered qualifying life events. That means you can add your baby or adopted child to your plan within a certain window of time.
Is it good to add a child to job-based health insurance?
Consider changing health plans, because having a child is a qualifying event, you can switch plans too. If both parents have employer-based health insurance, compare each company’s plans and figure out which one is the best. Also look at the doctors, hospitals and medications covered in each plan.
Is it good call health insurance company directly?
Whatever plan you pick, contact your company’s human resources department to enroll your baby. Let them know you just had a baby and that you’d like to add them to your plan. Don’t forget to ask about potential costs.
What are the necessary paperwork required?
Get in touch with your insurance company to check what paperwork you need. It differs based on the type of insurance and the insurance company. Most of the time, you’ll just need your baby’s birth certificate or proof of birth. The hospital where you gave birth can help you complete and submit these forms. Just be aware that it usually takes a couple of weeks to get them. If you’ve adopted your baby you’re usually asked to submit the official adoption papers.
Does new premiums increases?
Sometimes family plans allow for new dependents at no additional charge. But other times premiums can increase significantly. Take the time to figure out your expenses and prepare for any cost changes.
Some options you can consider with marketplace plans:
- Keep the same plan and just add your baby
- When you update the application, your coverage options and savings may change. You may also qualify for subsidies, which could lower your monthly premiums.
- Find a separate plan just for your baby or adopted child
- Only your baby qualifies for a special enrollment plan. You can revisit coverage for the rest of the family during the next open enrollment period.
- Adding a child when you have Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Both programs provide free or low-cost health coverage to millions of Americans, including pregnant women.
If you were eligible during pregnancy, you’ll be covered for 60 days after you give birth. After that, your state Medicaid or CHIP office will get in touch to tell you, your little will be on Medicaid for at least a year or may not qualify.
Dr.Manisha Vishwa PT
Dr.Manisha Vishwa PT is Co-Founder & Residential Director of Cura Advanced Physiotherapy. She is certified in Neurodevelopment Therapy & PNF Techniques. She is a certified Stotts Pilates practitioner,in addition to that she is an excellent Dry Needling Therapist & Osteopathic Spinal Mannual Therapist.