Henry Okafor
There are a lot of things that may be on your mind during pregnancy when you are expecting a child. One of those issues can be your baby’s access to healthcare. Fortunately, you can put this worry to rest.
If you have your own health insurance, both you and your newborn will be covered right away. Since becoming a parent is a qualified life event that starts a special enrollment period, you will be eligible to switch plans immediately away if you or your spouse get health insurance through your employer. You can enroll in a plan during that special enrollment period in order to secure the coverage you and your child require.
eHealth is here to help you if you’re trying to discover a family health insurance plan or need assistance deciding which kind of health plan is best for you. Use our comparison tool to find affordable plans in your area, or contact a licensed agent through phone or online chat right away.
What dangers exist if a newborn is not insured after the first thirty days?
One of the most expensive medical expenses, according to Medibank, is infant care. According to Parents.com, the cost of giving birth can range from $2,000 to $4,500 depending on the delivery method and the absence of difficulties. You would be responsible for covering all of your newborn’s postpartum care costs in addition to the costs associated with prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
Without insurance, you might incur high medical costs that would put a strain on your expanding family’s finances. Obtaining newborn insurance within the first 30 days will aid in your protection, as well as that of your infant.
Consumers can use eHealth’s free services to find a plan for their newborn, and we provide specialized support teams to help you manage your plan all year long. For your convenience, we provide round-the-clock customer service and allow you to purchase plans by phone, live chat, or our website. To find plans in your state, click this page.
Does my family or individual insurance policy automatically cover my newborn?
As an extension of you, the mother, your infant is protected by your insurance and deductible for the first 30 days after birth.
This extension of coverages expires on day 31. Health insurance for infants is not a part of the essential benefits that are included in all marketplace plans, although maternity care (both prenatal and postnatal) and some pediatric medical treatments are. You must enroll in or modify your health insurance plan in order to obtain health insurance at this time.
What if I can’t afford health insurance?
If you are having trouble paying for health insurance, you do have options before becoming pregnant. You should still apply for programs like Medicaid even if you don’t believe you qualify based on your income because you might be more likely to get coverage if you are pregnant. If you qualify for Medicaid, you can apply and enroll in coverage at any time of the year without needing to wait until the yearly open enrollment period.
Additionally, depending on your circumstances, some facilities, including Planned Parenthood, may offer prenatal care at a discounted cost.
Consider applying for CHIP if you don’t currently have health insurance and don’t have any plans to do so. Families who are struggling to pay for their own health insurance or health insurance for infants or older children can apply for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Although CHIP coverage varies from state to state, the following services are covered by CHIP in every state:
- Check-ups
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental and vision care (which are ordinarily covered through a parent’s health insurance)
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Laboratory and X-ray services
- Emergency services
Remember that CHIP may offer your child more covered benefits in some areas. State-by-state variations in CHIP eligibility requirements mean that you can enroll at any time, just like with Medicaid.
Where should I begin my search for baby health insurance?
It is a good idea to start researching infant health insurance before you become pregnant. With the help of eHealth, you can begin your search for individual and family health insurance that will fit your coverage requirements. To make it simple for you to choose the best plan for your needs and budget, eHealth provides access to thousands of cost-effective plans from well-known firms all across the US. Additionally, eHealth provides unmatched support from certified representatives to address any inquiries you may have regarding neonatal health insurance.
