New Baby or Adopting a Child

I don't have insurance, but I’m having a baby/adopting a child. What do I do?

Having a baby or adopting a child is a qualifying life event. That means you can sign up for insurance during a special enrollment period. You have 60 days from the birth or adoption of your child to enroll, so sign up as soon as you can.

If you don’t have health coverage, being pregnant doesn’t qualify for a special enrollment period, but the birth of a child does. During special enrollment, you can enroll in a plan for the first time, or change your Marketplace health plan coverage for you, your baby and other members of your household.

If you don’t enroll during the 60-day special enrollment period, you’ll have to wait for the fall annual open enrollment period.

Health coverage can help with medical check-ups and screenings to keep you and your baby healthy. If you qualify for a special enrollment period due to a life event like losing other coverage or moving, you may be able to enroll in a Marketplace health plan now.

Want more information? Read about these topics:

• Health Insurance
• New Health Plan
• Special Enrollment

Sources: Health coverage if you're pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or recently gave birth,  HealthCare.gov; Marketplace coverage after birth or adoption,  HealthCare.gov, 2024

Originally published 8/27/2015; 2018, 2024