Bringing home a new baby is an exciting (and overwhelming) time. Between the sleepless nights and the hospital paperwork, it’s easy to forget about updating your health insurance. But if you don’t add your newborn to your plan in time, you could be on the hook for unexpected medical bills.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. You Usually Have 30 to 60 Days to Add a Newborn

The birth of a child is a qualifying life event, which means you can make changes to your health coverage outside of the standard Open Enrollment period.

  • Employer-sponsored (group) plans: You typically have 30 days from the date of birth to add the baby.

  • Marketplace (ACA) plans: You have 60 days to update your application and add your child.

2. Your Baby Is Covered at Birth—but Only for a Short Time

Most plans provide automatic coverage for a newborn for the first 30 days, but only if the mother is already insured under that plan. After that, the baby must be officially enrolled to keep coverage in place.

3. Group Plans: Just Email the Info

If you’re on a group health plan through your employer, the process is usually simple:

  • Email HR or your benefits administrator with the baby’s full name and date of birth

  • You can send the Social Security number later once you receive it

Don’t wait for paperwork like a birth certificate—act quickly to avoid missing your deadline.

4. ACA Plans: Notify Healthcare.gov and Update Your Household Info

If you’re enrolled in an individual ACA Marketplace plan:

  • You must log in to HealthCare.gov (or your state’s exchange) and report the birth within 60 days

  • Be sure to add the baby to your plan AND update your household size

👉 This is important because your tax credit is based on household size and income.
Adding a baby may increase your premium tax credit, potentially lowering your monthly premium.

5. Review Your Plan Options After the Birth

You may have the opportunity to:

  • Change coverage tiers (e.g., from individual to family)

  • Switch plans within your employer’s offerings or the ACA Marketplace

This is a great time to make sure your plan meets your growing family’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let insurance updates slip through the cracks during those busy newborn days. Adding your baby to your health plan is a quick step that can make a big financial difference. If you’re unsure what to do, reach out to your HR team, healthcare.gov, or your insurance agent—we’re happy to guide you through it.