When Can I Get Insurance for My Newborn?

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Getting & Losing Insurance

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This video offers valuable information about adding a newborn to a health insurance plan after childbirth:

  • Having a baby is considered a "qualifying life event," which allows you to add your newborn to your health insurance plan outside of your company's annual open enrollment period.

  • If you have insurance through your employer, you typically have at least 30 days (sometimes more) after your child's birth to enroll them in your plan.

  • Importantly, whether you enroll your newborn on the day of their birth or within the eligibility window, your policy will cover their medical expenses retroactively to their date of birth.

  • We advise parents not to stress about enrolling their newborn on the day they're born, as the immediate priority should be the well-being of the child: the post-birth enrollment window allows for flexibility. However, it's crucial to remember to complete the enrollment process within that allotted time frame, as missing it might require waiting until your company's next open enrollment period to add the child to the plan.