How to add dependents to your health plan
Make sure your growing family is covered
When you enroll in a health plan, you’re locking in for the year. But life changes. You might get married or welcome a new family member. When your family grows, you want to make sure everyone has the medical care they need to stay healthy.
In these situations, you’ll probably want to add a dependent to your health plan. A health insurance dependent is simply a family member who qualifies to be covered by your insurance policy. You're the main policyholder, and they depend on your plan for their medical coverage.
Keep in mind that adding a dependent will increase your monthly premium.
Who can be a dependent on a health plan?
How to update your plan
Getting married, having a baby, adopting a child, or a spouse losing their insurance are major life events that are considered qualifying life events. These types of events can start a Special Enrollment Period. This is a short, 30- to 60-day window when you can update your health plan.
Once this period begins, you’ll need to do a few things to add a dependent:
- Gather legal documents, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers. Also have the dependent’s Social Security number and date of birth ready.
- If you get insurance through work, contact human resources.
- If you buy your own insurance directly or through the Health Insurance Marketplace®, log in to your account or contact customer support.
- Check your payroll deductions or monthly bills to review your new costs.
The sooner you update your plan after a qualifying life event, the easier it is for your loved ones to get the health care they need.
Insurance for a newborn
When your baby is born, they may have temporary coverage from your health plan for the first few days of life in the hospital, depending on your plan. But this grace period doesn't last long. You must officially add your newborn to your health insurance plan to keep their coverage going.
Your Special Enrollment Period will start the day the baby is born. You’ll typically have 30 days to add your baby to a plan through your employer and 60 days if you purchased your plan yourself. Check your plan to confirm the timeline.
Missing this window means you might have to wait until the next enrollment period. That could leave your baby without coverage for important checkups and immunizations.
