Title: Cancelling Girlfriend’s Health Insurance After Our Baby’s Birth
My girlfriend and I just welcomed our baby into the world a week ago! Now that our little one is here, we’re planning to switch both of them to my health insurance through my job, which is much more affordable than her current individual plan.
To give you some context, my girlfriend has her own health insurance plan through the Marketplace. While it’s a good plan, it comes with a hefty price tag, which she relied on for the baby’s delivery.
My question is: Is it advisable to cancel her individual Marketplace plan now? The premiums for her coverage (for both her and the baby) were already billed before, during, and after the birth. If we go ahead and terminate her plan, what will happen to those charges? Will they be voided, or will we end up being charged retroactively on my plan?
Thanks for your help!
It’s great that you’re looking to get more affordable health insurance for your family. Here are a few points to consider before canceling your girlfriend’s Marketplace plan:
Timing of the Cancellation: Be cautious about the timing when you cancel her plan. If you cancel it, be sure that her coverage is no longer needed before you make the move. Some people choose to keep their existing plan active until the new one is confirmed to avoid any gaps in coverage.
Coverage for the Baby: Since your girlfriend’s plan has included both her and the baby, you need to make sure that the baby will be covered immediately under your plan once you switch. You don’t want to risk losing coverage for your newborn.
Marketplace Charges: Generally, if you cancel the Marketplace plan after having already been billed, you won’t be charged retroactively for amounts already covered. However, it’s crucial to check specific details with the Marketplace, as policies can vary. Those charges should not affect your new plan, but it’s a good idea to verify this to avoid issues.
Special Enrollment Period: After the birth of a child, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for health insurance. Ensure that you enroll your girlfriend and baby in your plan within the appropriate timeframe to avoid gaps in coverage.
Contact the Insurance Providers: It would be wise to contact both the Marketplace and your job’s insurance provider. They can provide detailed information on transitioning coverage, possible impacts of cancellation, and confirm any necessary steps you should take.
Documentation: Keep records of everything related to the insurance plans, including cancellation confirmations and enrollment dates. This can help in case any issues arise in the future.
By taking these steps, you can make a smooth transition while ensuring both your girlfriend and baby have the coverage they need.