How Long Is a Baby Covered Under the Mother's Insurance After Birth?

A newborn baby is covered under the mother's health insurance plan up to 30 days after the birth of the child. After that, the mother must add the child as a dependent on her health insurance plan. Before doing so, the mother must apply for the child's Social Security number.

Social Security Number

• After the birth of your baby, visit the Social Security website or call the agency toll-free at 800-772-1213 to apply for the child's Social Security number. Most hospitals make the arrangements, but if yours doesn't, contact the Social Security Administration and complete the paperwork on your own.

The Newborns and Mother's Health Protection Act of 1996

• According to The Newborns and Mother's Health Protection Act of 1996, "A group health plan, health insurance company or health maintenance organization (HMO) may not restrict benefits for a hospital stay in connection with childbirth to less than 48 hours following a vaginal delivery or 96 hours following a delivery by cesarean section." Typically, you must obtain pre-authorization from your health insurance provider for your 48-hour or 96-hour stay to be covered. State laws offering similar hospital stay protections supersede those covered by the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act.

Special Enrollment

• To be eligible for special enrollment after the birth of a new child, contact your plan administrator to request instructions for special enrollment, which is guaranteed under the Newborns and Mother's Health Protection Act. However, you must make the request within 30 days of the birth of your baby. Otherwise, you might have to wait until the next annual "open enrollment" period.

Maximum Pre-existing Condition Exclusion

• Special enrollees are restricted from being treated as late enrollees -- people who miss the original enrollment period. Under The Newborns and Mother's Health Protection Act, a group health plan, health insurance company or health maintenance organization (HMO) may impose only the maximum pre-existing condition exclusion allowed for special enrollees, which is 12 months.

Children's Health Insurance Program

• If you cannot add your child to you or your spouse's existing health insurance policy or aren't eligible to receive Medicaid, check whether your baby is eligible to receive coverage through your state's children's health insurance program. Only your state insurance department can confirm your eligibility and provide an application for participation in the program. Your child must have a Social Security number to participate.