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Newborn Health Insurance

In the excitement of the arrival of a newborn baby, newborn health insurance may seem like an insignificant minutia and be easily forgotten.  Many parents in the United States have had to learn through experience, however, that ensuring medical coverage on a newborn can be crucial to an infant’s receiving the medical attention he or she needs as early as possible.  Though a smooth delivery and a strong, healthy baby may, obviously, be desirable, expectant parents ought to be prepared to provide whatever medical treatments may be necessary for the mother and child during and after the delivery. 

Medical attention is also important during the first several months of a baby’s life.  Infant check-ups and immunizations require the services of a medical professional as may any complications in a newborn’s development.  Skin rashes, a common malady among infants, can also require a medical professional’s attention.  The medical expenses resulting from such necessary treatments may be impossible for parents to pay out-of-pocket.  For these reasons newborn health insurance can be critical to parents’ remaining solvent and free to enjoy the precious treasure they have been given.

 

Newborn Health Insurance:  Will an Existing Policy Cover a Newborn?

Most types of health insurance policies allow for an infant to be covered on a parent’s existing policy for up to 30 days after birth.  This newborn health insurance typically begins at birth in a hospital.  The details of such coverage, however, are best evaluated prior to the birth of a baby.  Most health insurance companies will require that they be informed of a baby’s arrival in order for any claims to be processed.  Ideally, this should be done in writing.  Under the Newborns and Mothers Health Protection Act (Newborns Act or NMHPA) of 1996, which regulates newborn health insurance, a mother and her baby may receive a hospital stay – after delivery – of up to forty-eight hours for natural birth or ninety-six hours for cesarean.  By law, an insurance company may not refuse coverage for these services. 

 

Newborn Health Insurance:  What Is Good Coverage?

When evaluating which coverage to purchase, parents should learn about insurance companies and what they offer.  For example, Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) make it possible for premium members to receive medical services at agreed-upon discounted prices.  Individual pre-paid plans for children are also available through HMOs (Human Maintenance Organizations).  Usually, a newborn can be added to a parent’s existing health insurance policy, but, if the parents so desire, an individual infant health insurance policy can be purchased instead.  These policies will typically average about $300 a month.  Prior to choosing a newborn health insurance plan, parents should know what coverage is needed and what precisely is insured under a chosen policy.  Deliveries, check-ups, and vaccinations are basic services that will need to be covered under a newborn health insurance policy.  Parents should also consider whether or not an insurance company will pay for the services of their doctor of choice. 

 

Newborn Health Insurance:  When Should It Be Purchased?

Newborn health insurance ought to be purchased as soon as possible after a baby is born. Although most health insurance companies allow temporary coverage of a newborn on a parent’s existing policy, a new health insurance policy must be issued in order for the child to have permanent coverage.  Newborn health insurance can be purchased as an add-on to an existing – though revised – policy or as separate policy.  This new policy must, typically, be created within 30 days after a baby’s birth but is best done as soon as possible.  Proof of birth is normally required to add a newborn to an existing policy or to activate a separate one.  Such proof can easily be attained before leaving a hospital after delivery. 

Newborn health insurance can help secure a healthy upbringing for any child.  The choices for parents are many, and health insurance agents and brokers stand ready to assist in this decision.  A free health insurance quote is available upon request by entering one’s zip code at the top of this page.

 

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