When you have a new baby, there’s lots to think about, from choosing a name to making sure you have everything needed to bring your baby home. But it’s also essential to buy infant health insurance, whether you add your newborn to your own insurance or purchase a separate plan for them.
You don’t have to immediately rush to get newborn baby insurance coverage; a newborn is automatically covered by the mother’s insurance policy when they’re delivered. That coverage lasts for the first 30 days of their life, but it expires on day 31. Depending on your health insurance plan, that coverage might last up to 60 days, but check with your provider ahead of time.
You’ll have at least 30 days to sign your newborn up for health insurance, but it’s best to have a plan to simplify this process.
There are several options for newborn baby insurance coverage. The simplest is to add your newborn to your existing health insurance plan. Most employer-sponsored insurance plans will automatically cover your newborn for a certain amount of time, but you’ll need to add them as a dependent to extend that coverage.
You can also explore other alternatives:
The Children’s Health Insurance Program offers insurance for children if you aren’t eligible for Medicaid. You may be able to get health insurance for yourself, too, depending on your income.
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Since health insurance costs can vary so much, it’s best to shop around and get quotes to find the best option. You can get free health insurance quotes online today to find a plan for yourself and/or your newborn.
Your newborn will typically be covered under the mother’s health insurance policy for their first 30 days of life. That coverage ends on the baby’s 31st day of life, so you’ll need to work quickly to insure your infant if you want them to have continuous coverage.
The birth of a baby is considered a health care special enrollment period, which means you can enroll your child in health insurance even outside of the traditional open enrollment period. You’ll have 60 days to enroll your baby in health insurance after they’re born.
If your baby doesn’t have health insurance, you will need to pay out of pocket for any of their medical costs. Those expenses can quickly add up, so it’s always best to look for low-cost or free coverage options like the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid extended coverage for children.
