AboutMichael Higgins Expertise All questions pertaining to health insurance, whether group, individual/family, student, child-only, COBRA, HIPAA, Portability, dental. No expert knowledge in areas such as life insurance, disability, workman's compensation, auto, etc.
Experience 27 years as owner of health insurance agency, primarily dealing with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Education/Credentials College, Business Administration.
I lost my job at a company I had worked for for six years. I had family health insurance with the company until the end about two months ago. At the time, I could not afford Cobra, obviously, because of no income and felt that we were healthy enough to make it without insurance until I was eligible at a new job. About a month ago, my wife and I found out that she is pregnant. We have not been to the doctor, other than to the local health clinic to confirm she is pregnant.
My new job offers health coverage but I must be employeed for 90 days. I have about 60 days to go until I can pickup coverage. My question is will the new insurance pickup coverage on my wifes' pregnancy since it happened before I was eligible for coverage but after I lost coverage with my old employer?
Your response is appreciated.
Answer Robert:
Firstly, double check my answer with your new employer's HR department or the new insurance company. Every state has different laws and mandates, and I am only familiar with Arizona's.
That said, your situation seems pretty clear cut, and you and your family would be protected from discrimination under HIPAA. Basically, the birth of your child will be covered under the new plan once you enroll your family in about 60 days. This is because you were covered under a group plan previously. What I don't know, because each state has different mandates, is whether the time period of being uninsured will cause a problem. In AZ. there cannot be more than a 63 day period without health insurance to be protected under HIPAA. But even if it is more than 63 days I still think you'll be ok. New employees and their families usually have an open enrollment period. The bottom line is that I am 99% sure you have nothing to worry about and that the maternity will be covered by the new insurer. But ask the HR folks or the new insurance company to be certain.
