Health Insurance for Adopted Children

Many potential adoptive parents wonder whether their health insurance policy covers adopted children. While health insurance coverage is specific to your policy, there are some common answers to questions about health insurance for adopted children.

Policy-Specific

Most health insurance policies specifically address the coverage offered for adopted children. Review your health insurance policy to find out when coverage begins.

Before Placement

Most health insurance policies will not cover a child before he is placed into the adoptive home. Medicaid and other governmental programs often cover health expenses incurred before placement.

After Placement

The gray area in health insurance coverage is after placement but before the adoption is finalized. Many policies provide coverage beginning when the child moves into the adoptive home.

After Adoption

After an adoption is finalized, health insurance companies must treat the adopted child as any other child. Legally, the adopted child has the same rights as any biological child.

Special Needs

If you are adopting a child with special needs, make sure your health insurance will cover her needs. You might need to shop around for the best health insurance coverage.

Resources

• It's the law: Why your health insurance company must cover your adopted child