Why is it important to have health insurance for newborn babies?
Having proper health insurance for your little one provides you with peace of mind. It offers reassurance that if any unexpected medical issues arise during those early months or years, you won’t be burdened with overwhelming financial stress. From routine check-ups to vaccinations and even unforeseen illnesses or accidents, having insurance ensures that your child receives the necessary medical attention without breaking the bank.
Health insurance for newborns also grants access to a wide range of healthcare providers and services specifically tailored to pediatric care. This means you’ll have access to skilled doctors who specialize in treating infants and young children, ensuring that your baby receives optimal care from professionals who understand their unique needs.
Bear in mind that just because you had health insurance during pregnancy doesn’t mean your coverage is automatically extended to your newborn. Fortunately, whether you have work-based coverage, private insurance, or an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, a baby is considered to be a life event, so you may add him or her to your plan.
At this point, because you’re in a special enrollment period, you’ll be able to change your plan or purchase new coverage. You might also be eligible for a plan that’s lower in cost due to this change.
What are the risks of not having newborn coverage after the first 30 days of birth?
Having health insurance coverage for your newborn baby is extremely important, especially in the first few months of their life. Many parents assume that their individual or family plan automatically covers their new baby, but this is not always the case. It’s crucial to understand the risks associated with not having newborn coverage after the first 30 days of birth.
One risk of not having newborn coverage is the potential financial burden it can place on your family. Without insurance, you would be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for all medical expenses related to your baby’s care. Birth can cost between $2,000-$4,500 dollars depending on the method of delivery without complications. You would not only have to pay for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care out-of-pocket, but for all care that your newborn receives after birth. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and any unexpected illnesses or emergencies that may arise.
Another risk is limited access to healthcare providers and services. Without insurance, you may find it difficult to find a pediatrician who will accept cash payments or provide discounted rates. This could result in delayed or inadequate medical care for your baby. Without newborn coverage, you may miss out on essential preventive services that are recommended during the early stages of your child’s development. These services help ensure that your baby receives necessary screenings and interventions to promote optimal health and well-being.
If you’re in need of a healthcare plan for your newborn, check out TrueCoverage to find the right plan for you and your baby for free. TrueCoverage offers dedicated support teams to help you manage your plan throughout the year. They offer 24/7 support and the ability to purchase plans through a phone call, live chat, or TrueCoverage.com for your convenience.
Does my individual or family plan automatically cover my new baby?
Once your baby is born, (s)he is covered for the first 30 days of life as an extension of you, the mother, under your policy and deductible. However, starting on day 31, this extension of coverages ends. While maternity care (both pre and postnatal) and some health care services for children are designated as essential benefits that are covered by all marketplace plans, health insurance for babies is not included as an essential benefit.
One risk of not having newborn coverage after the first 30 days of birth is that any medical expenses related to your baby’s health will fall entirely on your shoulders. This can include routine check-ups, vaccinations, doctor visits for illnesses or injuries, hospital stays, and more. The cost of these services can quickly add up and lead to a substantial burden on your family’s finances. Plus, many doctors and hospitals require proof of insurance before providing services, especially in cases where expensive procedures or ongoing treatments are needed.
Now let’s address the question: Does my individual or family plan automatically cover my new baby?
In most cases, when you have an individual or family health insurance plan already in place before the birth of your child, there is typically a window period within which you need to notify your insurer about the arrival of your new bundle of joy. This usually ranges from 30-60 days after birth.
During this window period, it is important to contact your insurer and inform them about the birth, so that they can make appropriate adjustments to ensure your baby is covered under the policy. Failure to do so may result in delays or denials in getting coverage for your little one. By signing up for a TrueCoverage account, you’ll have all of your information in one place and be able to easily make changes to your health plan. This will provide peace of mind knowing that your newborn’s healthcare needs will be taken care of during those crucial early years.
