How to Insure a Baby After Birth

Newborn babies require doctor visits at regular intervals during the first year and checkups for months 12 through 24. To cover the cost of doctor and hospital care, sign your baby up for health insurance. Your baby must obtain a Social Security number before you can add her to a new or existing health insurance plan or program.

Instructions

• 1

  Apply for your child's Social Security number. Ask your labor and delivery nurse or an administrative worker at the hospital if a hospital worker will automatically make the arrangements. Some hospitals offer such services, but not all.

• 2

  Contact the Social Security Administration and apply on your own. Act fast. In some cases, you might have as little as 30 days after your child's birth to add him to your group health insurance plan, according to Insured.com.

• 3

  Contact your health insurer by the deadline provided. Failure to add a dependent on time might result in you having to wait until the next annual "open enrollment" period before you can receive coverage for your baby under your health insurance plan.

• 4

  Apply for health insurance for your baby if you don't have coverage through an employer or aren't eligible to receive Medicaid eligibility, you may receive coverage through your state's Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Contact your state insurance department and ask if you qualify for such coverage.