When a new baby enters our lives, there is much to celebrate. Babies prompt many smiles, congratulatory hugs and slaps on the back from onlookers, but for mom and dad, there are middle of the night cries and feedings, not to mention the exhaustion. It is during all of this excitement and adjustment after a new birth or adoption that you might find yourself inadvertently forgetting to include this new dependent on your medical plan.

If you are at the stage of life where you are adding arrows to your quiver, here are some important reminders about medical coverage.

Adding a Dependent & Effective Date

For newborn children* to be covered from the date of birth, you must notify IMG or the Mission Office within 31 days from the date of birth. We will need the full legal name of your child, along with the date of birth. While a Social Security number is not required to add your child to our medical plan, once you receive their Social Security number, we request you provide that as well.

Newborn children are automatically covered for the first 31 days following the date of birth. After 31 days, the coverage will only continue if the insured (you), have notified the Plan Administrator in writing (email is fine) of the birth of the child and any additional contribution has been paid (if any is required). If you miss the 31-day deadline, we will still add your child, however pre-existing conditions may come into play. Please DO NOT count on us seeing or hearing about the birth or adoption on Facebook or through someone else. It is your responsibility to contact us directly.

*NOTE: Children, as referred to above, means your own natural children, stepchildren, legally adopted children or children from a previous marriage for whom you are responsible for providing medical care.

Pre-certification Requirements for Complications During Pregnancy

To comply with the Pregnancy Pre-certification requirements, Participants must contact the Contract Administrator as soon as possible or no later than the third month of pregnancy.

If you should experience complications during pregnancy, contact the Contract Administrator as soon as possible but always within the first 48 hours you become aware of complications during Pregnancy.

If you do not comply with the Pre-certification requirements for Pregnancy or for Pregnancy Complications, or if the Expenses are not Pre-certified, all Pregnancy claims will be reduced by 20%.”

Please see the IMG Health Plan documents for more details, or feel free to contact Nancy Gaines, Medical Supervisor, at ngaines@bbfimissions.com.