Congratulations! It's exciting to welcome a new child into your home. To start thinking about your child's health, consider adding them to your plan through the Special Enrollment Period.
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Special Enrollment: Having or Adopting a Child
How Does a Newborn or Adopted Child Qualify for a Special Event?
Adding to your family is a qualifying event for Special Enrollment. This means you can update your Individual and Family health insurance coverage within 60 days of adding to your family.
You may also qualify for Special Enrollment if you were ordered by a court to provide health care coverage for a dependent.
Start Shopping for Health Insurance Today
Whether you're adjusting your current health plan, looking for something new or enrolling for the first time, you're in the right place. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has many plans to choose from to fit your new family and budget.
How Does Your Plan Cover Children and Pregnancy?
Many related benefits are always included in your plan, like:
- Care for birth complications
- Visits and screening with doctors and midwives
- Nursing support and breastfeeding supplies and equipment
- Pregnancy supplements
- Pediatric dental care
How to Get Health Insurance After Having or Adopting a Child
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I don't have health insurance. How do I enroll?
If you don't have a health plan, you're in the right place. BCBSIL has many plans to choose from to fit your new family and budget. Let's get started. -
I already have a BCBSIL plan. How can I add my spouse to my plan?
You can add your spouse by updating your plan where you first enrolled:
- If you enrolled directly with us online, visit our shopping platform or call 1-866-514-8044.
- If you enrolled on the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace, Get Covered Illinois, log in to your account.
- If you have health care coverage through your job, call your benefits or HR department.
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What if my spouse or I don't qualify for Special Enrollment?
If you don't qualify for Special Enrollment, or you missed your enrollment deadline, you're able to shop again during the Open Enrollment Period beginning November 1.1
Depending on your income, you may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. There's no Special Enrollment period for those government offered coverage options – you can apply at any time.
If you're 65+ or have certain disabilities, you may be able to enroll in Medicare.
1Members of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes can apply for health care coverage any month of the year. If you qualify for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or other assistance based on your income, you do not need to enroll during the Special Enrollment Period.
Last Updated: May 28, 2024