When To Get Health Insurance For Newborn? 
If you are covered under a group health plan you have 30-days after the child has been born to add the child to your coverage . As a general rule , adding dependents to your group health coverage requires the provision of the dependent 's Social Security number . This is a point of confusion and concern for many new parents as it can take several weeks before they receive a Social Security number for their newborn child . You should proceed with completing and submitting the paperwork to add the child to your employer 's health insurance carrier with a note that a Social Security number has been applied for and will be forwarded to them upon receipt . In the individual health insurance marketplace essentially the same 30-day rule applies . The exceptions being that you must request enrollment within 60 days of the loss of coverage under a State CHIP or Medicaid program or the determination of eligibility for premium assistance under those programs . Marlin McKelvy Consumer Directed Benefit Solutions www.cdbsagency.com 