Adding baby to your health plan: A quick how-to

Page last updated on: 6/30/25

It’s important to add your baby to your health plan. You’ll want to do this quickly to make sure they’re covered in case they need additional medical attention after you leave the hospital with them. But don’t worry. While adding someone to your plan can seem confusing or sound stressful, we can help. Here’s a quick guide to help you add your baby to your health plan, the moment they arrive.

How (and when) do I add my new baby to my health plan?

Okay, baby has arrived and you're in charge of their health and wellbeing. It's time to make sure they have health coverage and add them to your plan as a dependent. Okay…but how? And when?

  1. Take a deep breath. Your baby is covered in your inpatient hospital stay up to 48 hours following a vaginal delivery. Having a C-section? If so, your little one is covered up to 96 hours afterward.
  2. Complete a change of status or plan form as soon as possible. Plan ahead and download the form now.
  3. Return the form to your employer's human resource department or representative.
  4. Your employer will send the form to Priority Health within 31 days after birth to continue coverage on your health plan.

What you'll need: Your baby's SSN, your Priority Health member ID number and primary care provider information.

Have more questions about adding baby to your plan?

Read through these frequently asked questions:

1) When will my baby’s card arrive?

The arrival of the baby’s ID card will take between 7 and 10 days via mail. Your baby will be covered during this time, even if you do not have their ID card in hand yet.

2) What if my baby needs medication right after birth?

Call customer service using the number on the back of your Priority Health member ID card.
It can be difficult to get prescriptions filled before you receive your baby’s ID card.Should your baby need any prescription medication within the first two weeks of birth,we can help. Call the number on the back of your ID card for assistance.

3) Can I use my baby’s coverage for important appointments right away?

Yes, once your baby arrives, you’ll want to schedule and attend their check-ups with their pediatrician. These preventive visits, called well-child visits, are very important to help you and your pediatrician monitor your baby’s health. Once your new child is enrolled in your plan, these visits are covered at no cost to you.

Learn more about these visits on pages 7 through 9 of the Preventive Health Care Guidelines.