Newborn care

Explore helpful information and update your plan, all while welcoming your little one into the world.

Add your child to your plan

Your baby is covered under the mother’s plan for their first 31 days unless you request a change ahead of time. To continue coverage after this 31-day period, you’ll need to add your child as a dependent.

Giving birth or adopting a child allows you to get your child health insurance outside of open enrollment, known as a special enrollment period.

  • If you gave birth to your child, their first 31 days of coverage begins on the day they were born.
  • If you adopted your child, their first 31 days of coverage begins on their adoption date.
  • In most cases, newborns are assigned to the mother’s plan medical group (PMG) for the first 31 days, unless changed by a parent (or discharge from the hospital, whichever is later).
    • If your newborn is sick, they will be covered under the mother’s PMG until discharged from the hospital.
    • If your newborn is well, you may choose a new primary care physician (PCP) or plan medical group.

Contact your employer’s human resources department for instructions on how to keep your newborn on your plan beyond their first 31 days.


Choose your child's doctor

You may choose a different PCP or PMG following your child’s birth month by calling Customer Care. Simply select your medical group and any other preferences, then click “Search.”


Request continuity of care

If an unexpected change to your coverage, provider or network happens, you may have questions about how to continue care for you or your newborn. Learn how to keep your current health care provider and continue receiving health care services.


Well-baby exams

Wellness exams are covered. During your child’s exam, you’ll learn more about their immunization schedule, and measure their growth, nourishment and development.

Children typically receive wellness exams following this schedule:

  • Directly after birth
  • 1 week old
  • 1 month old
  • 2 months old
  • 4 months old
  • Every 3 months from age 6 months to 18 months old


Preventive care

Many preventive care services are available at no extra cost. Be sure to schedule preventive care appointments with an in-network provider and keep them separate from appointments for other care or treatment. Take this checklist to your newborn’s next appointment to discuss your options.


Behavioral health services

If you’ve felt overwhelmed or anxious after bringing your newborn home, you’re not alone. “Baby blues” and postpartum depression can affect any parent, whether they’ve given birth or adopted a child. Our behavioral health providers can offer extra support when you need it most. You can make an appointment without a referral from your PCP.


Breast pumps

Most new parents are covered for a breast pump with no copay. No prescription is needed, but you should request one within the first year after delivery of your new baby.

Breast pumps are not covered before delivery. If you buy your breast pump from a non-contracted supplier, it won’t be covered.

Contact Customer Care for information about ordering your breast pump by email or by calling 1-855-995-5004 on weekdays, 8 am – 6 pm.


More resources from Sharp HealthCare

As a Sharp Health Plan member, you also have access to many of Sharp HealthCare’s programs and services for new parents.


Featured newborn health articles

Babies and heat loss - do they need a beanie cap

Do babies lose heat from their heads?

We put the myth to the test with nurse specialist Rachelle Sey.

Tips for a restful sleep for your newborn

6 tips to get your infant to sleep

Master a sleep training method and enjoy better nights for both baby and you.

Woman wearing mask holding baby

Visitor boundaries with newborn babies

Learn about setting healthy boundaries for well-meaning visitors before the baby arrives.

Mother with baby

5 amazing facts about breastfeeding

Learn about breastfeeding health benefits for both the breastfeeding parent and baby.