New Baby of Adopting a Child

What if I want insurance because I’m having a baby or adopting a child?

If you didn’t sign up for a health insurance plan during the last open enrollment period, having a baby qualifies you to sign up now. Find out about this special enrollment period  at bcbsil.com. You only have 60 days from the birth or adoption of your child to enroll to get health insurance, so sign up as soon as you can.

Your new health plan will cover your care before and after your child is born. And the coverage is good -- you will not have to pay copays or added costs for a lot of the services during and after pregnancy that ensure a healthy pregnancy:

• Anemia screening—this tests your iron level
• Folic Acid supplements—folic acid helps with the baby’s development
• Gestational diabetes screening—maintaining a good blood sugar level is important during pregnancy
• Hepatitis B screening—this is another key test for mother and baby
• Rh Incompatibility screening—testing for compatibility will help ensure the baby’s safety
• Syphilis screening—sexually transmitted diseases can be dangerous to your baby
• Urinary tract or other infection screening—infections can cause problems during your pregnancy and labor
• Expanded counseling for pregnant tobacco users—tobacco is a leading cause of low birth weight
• Nursing support and counseling—it’s important to be aware of the health benefits of nursing for the baby
• Access to breastfeeding supplies and equipment—this makes breastfeeding more affordable

Your new health plan also covers office visits to midwives and doctors. Much of the costs of giving birth and your hospital stay are also covered. If you have any complications during the birth, those will be covered as well.