Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/insurance for baby w/military

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/1/2010


Question
Hello,
My b/f who is currenlty in Iraqi (just got there 2 weeks ago)and I are expecting (due mid nov).  Is there a way to make sure the baby is under the military insurance right from birth.  We are engaged, but I just could not do a whirl wind marriage right before he left. I was way too emotional. We are planning on getting married at some point, but at last here we are a month and a half away from baby being born and still have not figured out what needs to be done for baby to be covered under military benefits.

Any advice or guidance would be truly appreciated! Thank you for your time!

Thank you,

Melissa

Answer
Melissa,
Congratulations on soon becoming a mother.

To answer your question, the military does not recognize you or your child as legal dependents until you actually marry the military member.  If you were to marry before the baby is born, the military will pay for the delivery, any complications that may arise with both you and the baby, and the continued health of the whole family.

So until you marry him, you're just a girlfriend.

Best wishes,
Colonel H  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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