The adoption of a child has a ripple effect on a family. In particular, it poses financial and insurance challenges. Can you add an adopted child to your insurance policy?

Barry Insurance Group, serving Pearland, TX, explains. 

Insuring an Adopted Child

Most insurers have a "qualifying life event" (QLE) window for adding a child to your health insurance. Once the adoption decree is declared as final, the child is officially adopted. The window for QLE is typically between 31 and 60 days after the finalization of the adoption. 

If you are considering adopting, you should be aware of insurance language, groupings, and other subtle yet important details. As an example, many insurers require policyholders to transition away from self-only policies to family policies when they adopt a child. In such instances, the enrollment change effective date is the initial pay period date during which the adopted child joins the family.

What About Foster Children?

Medicaid is available to pay for foster children’s medical coverage. The logic in providing such coverage is that health insurers typically do not permit policyholders to add foster children to their plan. However, if you decide to adopt a foster child, you can add them to your health insurance plan. 

Keep in mind that there are instances when children qualify for ongoing medical insurance through Medicaid until they turn 18. The parents’ health insurance can also be used as a supplemental form of coverage.

Contact Barry Insurance Group for More Information

If you live in the greater Pearland, TX area, call Barry Insurance Group for a custom-tailored quote.