If you and/or your partner are expecting a baby, and you are like most people, you probably have many questions and concerns.  One of the common questions is: “do I need to alert my insurance company if I am expecting a baby”?  The answer is “yes you do”.  Some health plans do not cover all the expenses associated with having a baby, while others offer great coverage.  This is why it is best to check with your healthcare provider when you learn that you are expecting, so that you can be sure that you are adequately prepared.  All health insurance policies and HMOs must offer benefits to newborn children immediately from the time of birth.  Additionally, a newborn will be added to his/her parent’s policy regardless of any congenital defects, premature birth, or illness, and such conditions must be paid for up to the extent of the policy limits and provisions.

Who is covered under a policy?

Newborn children of individuals insured under a health insurance plan must be provided with coverage if coverage for dependents is offered under the plan and the newborn meets the policy’s definition of a dependent.  If a parent has coverage, but does not have dependent coverage in place when the baby is born, coverage is required to be provided as long as an application for dependent coverage is completed and paid for within 31 days of the baby’s birth.  If a parent already has dependent coverage prior to the birth of the baby, coverage is provided for the first 31 days following the baby’s birth without any specific enrollment or additional premium.  In order for the baby’s dependent coverage to extend past the 31^st day, often times the insurer may require dependent coverage enrollment prior to the 31^st day of the baby’s life and to pay premium for the extended coverage.

How do I add my baby to my group insurance plan?

You should contact your insurance company as soon as you can following your baby’s birth.  Depending on your plan, you may also be required to notify your employer.  You can add both your baby and your partner to your plan without any trouble, as long as you do so prior to the 31^st day after the baby’s birth.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should make sure that either you or your partner has health coverage prior to becoming pregnant or you may be denied coverage during pregnancy due to the pregnancy being viewed as a pre-existing condition.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding who will be covered, if they will be covered, and under what conditions, it is best to contact your health insurance provider because they can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding a pregnancy or birth of a child.