Welcoming a child to the family? Don’t forget the insurance.

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1. Prepare for delivery

   If your health plan uses a network, call the plan to make sure the doctors, hospital, or facility you’ll use are in the network. Your plan might let you use doctors outside your network, but it will be cheaper for you if they’re in the network. Also ask how much you’ll have to pay in copays, coinsurance, and deductible.

2. Avoid surprise bills

   Texas law protects people with some types of health plans from surprise medical bills in emergencies and when they didn’t have a choice of doctors. Insurance cards for these plans have “DOI” or “TDI” printed on them.

   If you don’t have one of these plans, check that the anesthesiologist and other specialists you’ll need are in your network. Even if your hospital is in your network, some of the specialists who work there might not be.

3. Ask about other coverages

   Ask your plan about paying for services you might need before or after you have your child. This might include a breast pump, breastfeeding support, or post-partum counseling. Most health plans must pay for a breast pump if you go through them to get it.

4. Add your child to your plan

   Call your health plan soon after your child is born or after you adopt. Some plans require you to add new family members within 30 days. Put a reminder on your calendar so you don't forget to call.

   If you don't have a health plan, check out TexasHealthPlanCompare.com to learn about your coverage options and to compare plans. Visit HealthCare.gov to get help paying for coverage.

5. Consider life insurance

   Think about your child's ongoing needs – housing, child care, education, medical care, and other needs – and how those would be paid if you weren’t around. Consider buying life insurance for both parents, not just the primary earner.

Resources:

• How to save money at the doctor
• Understanding an explanation of benefits
• Do you need life insurance?