Newborns
Guidance to help you obtain health insurance for your newborn
Congratulations on your new addition and welcome to Mendon Pediatrics!
We understand what an exciting time it is to welcome a new little one! There is so much to keep you busy: feedings, diaper changes, more feedings, laundry, and of course, always trying to sneak in some sleep. As you navigate these early days with your newborn, we wanted to share some helpful information to guide you in obtaining medical insurance for your baby. This is an important step you must take within the first few weeks after your baby’s birth to prevent coverage issues for those frequent and vital early pediatrician visits.
The NYS Newborn Coverage Mandate:
- Pursuant to New York Insurance Law 4303, coverage of the mother and newborn infant is required for 48-96 hours after birth, dependent on the delivery type.
- In accordance with New York Insurance Law 4303, if the insured parent does not add the newborn infant to the coverage within 30 days, the newborn infant would be covered only for the period specified in Insurance Law 4303.
Adding your newborn to your health plan through your Employer:
Contact your Employer's HR Dept or whomever is in charge of benefits to let them know you just had a baby and that you would like to add your baby to your health plan. They will let you know what you need to do to complete the process.
NOTE: Some employers may require a birth certificate and/or the social security number which can take 2-4 weeks to receive. It is important to start the process of adding your newborn to your health plan prior to receiving these documents.
Adding your newborn to your health plan directly with the Insurance Carrier
Contact the Member Service number on the back of your health plan card to let them know you just had a baby and you would like to add your baby to your health plan. They will guide you through the process.
Adding your newborn to a health plan through NYS Marketplace (Exchange)
You may go to their website: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov OR call them at 855-355-5777 (TTY: 800-662-1220).
NOTE: If your insurance requires you to have a primary care physician on your insurance policy, please be sure to tell them which specific physician you chose from our office.
When you receive your newborn's insurance card, we ask that you visit our website at www.MendonPediatrics.com\billing-and-insurance and click on the link to update your insurance or contact our office at 585-624-4520.
We look forward to providing medical care to your family for many years to come. We invite you to contact our Billing Manager, Karen Hartman with your insurance/billing questions at 585-624-4520. We thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter of obtaining medical insurance for your newest little one!
The Mendon Pediatrics Providers and Staff