All plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace cover pregnancy and childbirth. If you purchase a plan through the Marketplace, coverage for your pregnancy and baby can start as soon as January 1, 2014. You can apply for coverage now.
If you are currently uninsured and pregnant, you may be turned down, charged a higher premium or have benefits excluded until 2014. Medicaid and CHIP may help until then.
You can check to see if you’re eligible for health care coverage for you and your baby through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These North Carolina programs cover pregnant women and their children below a certain income level.
Does Pregnancy Trigger a Special Enrollment Opportunity to Buy or Change Coverage?
Pregnancy does not trigger a special enrollment opportunity, but you will get an opportunity when the baby is born. At this point you can enroll your baby in coverage, and you and your spouse can also change health plans.
How Do I Project My Household Size/Income for Next Year if I’m Married & Pregnant With My First Child Now?
During the open enrollment period, you and your spouse will apply as a household of two. Once the baby is born, you can update your family information in the Marketplace to include your newborn. This may qualify you for a larger premium tax credit. In addition, you will have a 60-day special enrollment opportunity to add your baby to your plan, and you will also be able to change health plans if you would like.
Call IBA to Learn More About Pregnancy & Health Insurance Plans
For more information about pregnancy and the Health Insurance Marketplace, contact Independent Benefit Advisors. We specialize in helping individuals in North Carolina find their ideal insurance coverage. Give us a call at (919) 303-9690 to get started.
Independent Benefit Advisors provides insurance assistance to individuals, families and businesses in Apex, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Charlotte, Fuquay-Varina, Greensboro, Rocky Mount, Sanford, Wake Forest, and other North Carolina locations.
