If you’re pregnant, adding your newborn to your dental plan probably isn’t on your pre-baby to-do list. But once your bundle of joy arrives, you have some choices to make.
Here are three tips for adding a newborn to your plan:
1. NOTIFY YOUR BENEFIT PROVIDER
How you notify your benefit provider will depend on how you’re covered. If you’re covered through work, contact your Human Resources department. If you have an individual or family plan, contact the benefit provider directly.
2. ADD YOUR BABY ASAP
Having a baby is considered a life event, so you can enroll your baby right after birth. Benefit providers typically require newborns be added within 30 days after their arrival. Otherwise, the next opportunity may not be until the next open enrollment period for the benefit plan.
Also remember that adding a newborn or any dependent to your coverage may incur additional costs.
3. CARE FOR YOUR BABY’S SMILE NOW
Dental care should begin from birth. Dentists recommend wiping your baby’s gums with a damp washcloth or soft infant toothbrush after meals. Once the first tooth erupts, start brushing gently with a soft, baby-sized toothbrush twice a day. Dentists also recommend that children have their first dental appointment within six months of getting their first tooth– and no later than their first birthday. Continuing to teach them good oral health habits like daily brushing, flossing and regular dental visits throughout their entire childhood will help them prevent oral health issues later on.
Contact us if you have questions about adding a new child to your dental plan.
