Don't Miss These Post-Birth Deadlines
A new baby brings an exciting but overwhelming to-do list. Among the most time-sensitive tasks is enrolling your child in health insurance — most plans give you just 30 days after birth as a qualifying life event. Missing that window could leave your baby without coverage until open enrollment, which might be months away. Similarly, applying for a Social Security Number promptly makes it easier to file taxes and open savings accounts.
The WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) provides nutritional support and is available at no cost to eligible families with children under 5. There is no strict signup deadline, but benefits are not retroactive, so enrolling early maximizes support. For tax benefits like the Child Tax Credit, simply include your newborn when you file your annual federal taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may still be able to enroll through Medicaid or CHIP if your income qualifies — these programs have year-round enrollment. Otherwise, you'll need to wait until your employer's open enrollment period.
FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) applies to employers with 50+ employees, and you must have worked there for at least 12 months. Some states have broader family leave laws — check your state's rules.