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.
-
- Home
- Find Care
- Shop Plans
About Our Plans
Individual and Family
Dental & Vision
Life & Disability
Consumer-Directed Health Accounts
- Prescription Drugs
Pharmacy and Prescription Plans
- Insurance Basics
Understanding Health Insurance
How Health Insurance Works
Coverage Information
Importance of Health Insurance
- Member Services
Member Resources
Account Access
Quick Links
Policy Documents
New Member
Forms
- Employers
- Producers
- Providers
- Company Information
Special Enrollment: Having or Adopting a Child
How Does a Newborn or Adopted Child Qualify for a Special Event?
Having a newborn or adopting a child qualifies you for Special Enrollment, allowing you to update your individual and family health insurance within 60 days.
You may also qualify for Special Enrollment if you were ordered by a court to provide health care coverage for a dependent.
Get Your Documentation Ready
Because having or adopting a child impacts your coverage or the coverage of your dependents, you'll need to submit documentation that shows proof of your life event. You'll need to submit one document from the list that applies to you:
For a newborn baby, you'll need:
- A birth certificate;
- A hospital record, or;
- Proof of residency (if applicable)
For an adopted child, you'll need:
- An adoption decree or court order;
- Proof of adoption placement (if applicable);
- Social Security number (if applicable), or;
- Proof of residency (if applicable)
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. We have many plans to choose from to fit your new family and budget.
How Does Your Plan Cover Newborns 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 Does Your Plan Cover Adopted Children?
Your plan offers a range of health care benefits to support your adopted child, like:
- Coverage for adoption-related medical expenses
- Pediatric visits and screenings
- Immunizations and annual wellness check-ups
- Specialized care for any pre-existing conditions
How to Get Health Insurance After Having or Adopting a Child
-
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 child or 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.
-
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 Nov. 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.
-
Can I change my BCBSIL plan when my child is born or adopted?
You can. Because childbirth or adoption qualifies you for Special Enrollment, you're able to add a dependent to your current plan or choose a new plan that better fits your family.
To change your plan, compare your options and enroll through our shopping platform.
-
When can I enroll my child in my BCBSIL plan and when will coverage begin?
You have 60 days after birth or adoption to take advantage of the Special Enrollment period. This doesn't mean that your child has to go without coverage if you don't enroll right away. In most cases, your child will be covered retroactively from the time of their birth or adoption.
To start comparing your coverage options and enroll, visit our shopping platform.
-
Which parent can enroll their baby or adopted child?
Either you or your partner can enroll your newborn or adopted child in health insurance through Special Enrollment, even if you're not married or are separated. Just make sure any action is taken before the 60 day timeline ends.
-
Does adopting a grandchild qualify for Special Enrollment?
Yes — if you adopt your grandchild, you're able to add them to your coverage or find a new health insurance plan through individual and family Special Enrollment.
If you're a Medicare member, adopting your grandchild does not generally qualify you for Special Enrollment and your grandchild.
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: April 15, 2025