Insurance: LGBT Parents Adoption Group Discussion Topic

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Posted by DrJv1967 to LGBT Parents on Jul 12, 2012 at 7:32pm | 4 Comments | Post a reply

Hello;

We are a same sex couple (i.e. not legally married) and working with a birth mother in another state from where we reside (so have to deal with the ICPC). She has medicaid for the pregnancy but the agency has stated none of the baby expenses are covered. Under that State’s laws birth parents cannot sign consent for 48 hours after delivery. My insurance will not allow me to add the child until we are back in our state. Based on that we are looking at being responsible for at least 48 hours up to who knows how long for the baby’s medical expenses out of pocket. Does anyone have suggestions? Thanks

Replies

I can’t imagine what your agency is talking about. We have adopted two children where the birth moms were on Medicaid, and Medicaid should be responsible until you take possession of the baby, which I would not think would be until after the 48 hours?

Your insurance company should begin coverage the moment you take possession. I think somewhere someone has their facts wrong.

What state will the baby be born in?

Posted by Kathy in Georgia on Jul 12, 2012 at 7:51pm

For both of our adoptions (one was out of state), we were told that Medicaid would cover baby until placed with us then our insurance would take over or our insurance would cover baby retroactively. I’m pretty sure someone on your end is confused. I see a ton of people (straight as well) having issue with their insurance companies covering their baby in the beginning. The insurance employee usually really doesn’t understand the policy, it seems. I’ve heard people say their insurance told them they wouldn’t cover the baby until finalization! Please, that can take a year. They ended up having to talk to a supervisor or do some research and really insist. And in some cases, they need a lot of extra paperwork to prove you have the baby, which is fine. IMO insurance companies will do anything to get out of paying and insurance is also very confusing (the legalese, all the riders, small print, etc). You are probably going to be covered somehow but obviously, you have to move up the chain until you get it figured out. Good luck!! Congrats on your match!

Posted by magichat on Jul 12, 2012 at 9:04pm

While my experience was similar to the previous two posts (insurance company covered our son’s expenses from the moment he was placed with us - which was before the surrender period) it seems like the answer to the question of when your insurance kicks in can vary depending upon whether you are part of an employer sponsored group plan or an individually purchased policy. The following link provides some useful information.

http://www.adopting.org/adoptions/health-insurance-for-adopted-children.html

I can’t speak to the Medicaid side of the equation (i.e. when the Medicaid coverage ceases).

Hope this helps and good luck with the adoption .

Rob

Posted by Rob in CT on Jul 13, 2012 at 1:17am

You can check with the state (each state sending and receiving). They should have insurance people in the state’s capital to answer this. Each state does have regulations for companies doing business in their state.

Posted by Regina on Jul 13, 2012 at 4:30am