Steps To Take If You Are Expecting or Adopting a Child

If You or Your Spouse Are Pregnant...
Both men and women should contact the Benefit Plans Office and ask about the steps you need to take, and the deadlines you need to meet, to add your baby to your coverage.  This will help you maximize your available benefits. 

In-Network Benefits
Schedule prenatal appointments.  You will pay a physician office copayment only at the initial visit.

Interview and choose a network pediatrician for your child to receive in-network benefits after your child is born.  Well-child care and immunizations are covered only when you receive them from a network pediatrician.  Your baby’s first visit will be in the hospital after delivery, so consider choosing a pediatrician who has admitting privileges at your hospital to ensure that you receive in-network benefits for that visit.

YOU MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN ENROLLMENT FORMS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE BIRTH OR THE BABY WILL NOT BE COVERED – no exception. 

Your OB/GYN will precertify your hospital or birthing center admission.

Present your medical ID card when you are admitted to the hospital or birthing center.  You may have to pay your share of the hospital cost at admission.

Before the fourth month of pregnancy, you should call CIGNA Member Services to precertify your maternity admission.  Refer to the back of your identification card for contact information. 

If You Adopt a Child...
Notify your supervisor and the Benefit Plans Office if you would like to arrange for a family leave of absence.

Interview and choose a pediatrician.  If you are in a Point-of-Service Plan, you must choose a primary care physician for your child from the provider directory to receive in-network benefits, including coverage for well-child care.

When Your Child Arrives Enroll your newborn or newly adopted Child for medical benefits within 30 days so your Child’s medical expenses will be covered from the date of birth or adoption.  You have up to age one to enroll the Child for dental coverage under MetLife and up to age three under Delta Dental.  Call the Benefit Plans Office to request a change form or print a form from your company’s benefit forms web page.  Consider beginning or increasing your contributions to the flexible spending accounts, so you can pay for your Child’s unreimbursed medical expenses and child care expenses with before-tax dollars.