1. California Health Insurance
  2. Covered California Enrollment
  3. Open Enrollment Period
  4. Special Enrollment Period
  5. Life Events
  6. Had a Baby

Expecting a Baby? Navigating Health Insurance Before and After Birth

You had a baby! Congratulations! Or perhaps you’re expecting a little one soon? Congratulations to you as well!

Chances are you’ve been dealing with medical expenses, healthcare coverage, and doctor visits a lot lately. In fact, there’s a high likelihood that you currently have some sort of coverage. Maybe an employer sponsored plan or Medi-Cal? Or you may even have a subsidized Covered California health plan? Have you considered your healthcare options? There may be a better, or even more affordable plan, available to you right now.

There is a lot to consider, to be sure. You may find that your best bet is to continue on your current plan. Keep in mind though, that since your family just grew, the income threshold for premium assistance on your health plan also increased! Perhaps you didn’t qualify for government assistance before your baby came. Now that your family is larger it would be worth getting a quote to see what your options are. It may surprise you to find that the government will now subsidize a portion of your premium.

In any event, the birth of your child is considered a qualifying life event under the current healthcare laws. That means that regardless of your current coverage, or lack of coverage, you have a special opportunity to enroll in a new health plan even if we aren’t currently in an open enrollment period as long as you do so within sixty days of giving birth.

Understanding Your Health Insurance Options

The good news when it comes to insurance and giving birth is that, under the Affordable Care Act, pregnancy and childbirth are part of the essential health benefits that must be covered by insurance. That means you’ll have your choice of options, including:

  • Employer-sponsored plans
  • Medi-Cal
  • Covered California plans

How to Get My Newborn Insurance

Once your baby is born, the clock on getting them insurance begins. According to the law, you have 60 days following the birth to enroll your newborn on your existing plan or enroll in a new plan for both of you. Having a baby is one of the Qualifying Life Events that allows you to enroll in new insurance outside of the standard enrollment period, so if you’ve been considering making a change, now is the time to do it.

  • Gather the baby’s information: When you apply for health insurance, whatever provider you choose will need information about the child. Keep the baby’s birth certificate and Social Security number close so you can provide them upon request.
  • Research insurance options: As we mentioned, there are plenty of options for newborn health insurance. Do your research and make sure you’re getting the most comprehensive and affordable plan for your child.
  • Contact your insurance provider: Whether you are enrolling your baby in your current plan or making a change to a new one, contact your provider and let them know of the change.
  • Enroll in your new plan: If you’re staying with your current insurance provider, they can help you enroll your baby. If not, contact your new provider and begin enrolling your family.

Insurance Considerations When Giving Birth

Whether you’re considering getting pregnant or days away from birth, now is the time to explore insurance options for you and your baby. You’ll likely be going to doctor’s appointments and getting medical care more than at any other time in your life, so this is when it matters most. As you look at your options, ask questions like:

  • Will I need a referral to go to an OB/GYN?
  • What kinds of prenatal care (if any) are covered?
  • What will labor, delivery and other childbirth necessities cost?
  • How will pregnancy and childbirth affect my deductibles and copays?
  • Will insurance cover non-traditional deliveries and private rooms?

Financial Assistance and Government Subsidies

Not all insurance coverage is equal, and low-income parents know this especially well. Still, everyone has options for pregnancy and post-birth insurance. See if you qualify for any of these lower-cost options:

  • Medicaid
  • CHIP
  • Community health centers and Planned Parenthood
  • Discount plans
  • Hospital indemnity insurance

Find the Best Health Insurance for Infants at HFC

When you have or are preparing for a new baby, time is limited. Make the most of those free minutes by using Health for California’s easy and intuitive online application process to enroll in one of our health insurance options. You and your family will be covered in minutes, and our agents are always available to assist you and answer your questions.