Adding Newborn Coverage

Adding a Newborn to Your Coverage

The 30-to-60 day rule

A birth is a qualifying life event. Most plans require you to formally add your baby within 30 or 60 days, and coverage then applies retroactively to the birth date, including the hospital stay. Missing the window can leave those first bills uncovered, so this is the one piece of paperwork not to postpone.

Expect your costs to shift

Adding a dependent changes your premium, and a baby's first year includes frequent pediatrician visits. A plan with low visit copays can beat a cheaper premium plan this year even if it did not last year. This is a natural moment to re-shop.

Worth considering now

• Confirm your pediatrician is in network before the first visit
• Revisit life insurance, since someone new depends on your income
• Update your marketplace household size, which can increase your subsidy