Health Insurance for Children Placed for Adoption

Adoptions of Wisconsin knows how important access to health care and health insurance coverage is for children and families.

Adoptive parents typically take responsibility for the support of their child before the adoption becomes final. This can lead to questions about how to enroll a child who is not yet adopted on the potential adoptive parents’ health plan.

Fortunately, federal law provides that group health plans are required to provide coverage for children “placed for adoption” just like they would for any other dependent child of the family, “irrespective of whether the adoption has become final” (U.S.C. § 1169(c)). This means that once a child has been placed with their adoptive family, they are eligible for their family’s dependent health insurance coverage. Following the termination of parental rights of the birth parents, the child can be added to the adoptive family’s insurance coverage, even if the adoption is not yet finalized in court. This allows adoptive parents the security to fully support their child’s health as soon as possible.

Just remember to contact your insurer about enrolling your child as soon as you can. You may need to explain to your insurance company that your child is “placed for adoption.”

Keep in mind that health insurance plans are covered under various laws, which may also vary by state. Adoptions of Wisconsin does not provide legal advice or guidance. Please contact your insurance professional for more information.