New Baby or Adopting a Child

I  don't have insurance, but I'm having a baby/adopting a child. What do I do?

If you didn’t sign up for a health insurance plan during the last open enrollment period, a qualifying life event, such as having a baby or adopting a child means you qualify to sign up now - this is called special enrollment period.  Remember, you only have 60 days from the birth or adoption of your child to enroll, so sign up as soon as you can.

Your new health plan will cover your care before and after your child is born. You will not have to pay copays or extra fees for many of the services encouraged for a healthy pregnancy:

• Anemia screening—iron level tests
• Folic Acid supplements—helps with the baby’s development
• Gestational diabetes screening—blood sugar level during pregnancy
• Hepatitis B screening—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 during 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 covers office visits to midwives and doctors as well as a chunk of the costs of giving birth and your hospital stay. Complications during the birth are also covered.