The life changes arising from family additions such as marriage and childbirth introduce many new concerns and responsibilities. Chief among these is providing for the overall health and well-being of new family members, thus making it imperative to understand how to effectively modify the health insurance coverage in such an event.

For many individuals, the prospect of a serious relationship leading to a domestic partnership, engagement or marriage represents the first instance of needing to expand health insurance coverage.

Nearly all health insurance plans provided by employers who employ more than 20 people will extend coverage to a person's spouse. This typically requires completing and submitting paperwork, so be careful to complete whatever is required as early as possible to ensure that all parties are covered, and that no one experiences a gap in insurance coverage.

While it is usually more straightforward to modify and extend one's health insurance coverage to a spouse, it is becoming easier to obtain health insurance for a domestic partner. Whatever the situation, by carefully reviewing one's health insurance policy, it will become clear exactly who insurance coverage may be extended to, and what steps must be taken to complete such a modification.

Next to a serious relationship, childbirth is the primary type of family addition that requires an alteration to one's health insurance coverage. As with a spouse, fiance, or domestic partner, the vast majority of health insurance policies are equipped to provide coverage to a newborn baby.

Such modifications, however, are not automatic, and often require that the policyholder take some action. After the child's birth, it is critical to apply for the newborn's Social Security number, as the insurance provider will require this in order to extend the original policy. Most hospitals complete this process as standard protocol, but in the case that a hospital does not, Social Security numbers may be requested by contacting the Social Security Administration. With deadlines as short as 30 days after the date of birth, children should be added to health insurance plans as quickly as possible.

Parents should also evaluate their current policy, reviewing it in its entirety to determine whether or not it is adequate for their new family additions. If gaps or other inadequacies are discovered, individuals can work with their insurance provider to explore alternatives. Medicaid may present a good option for low-income families, while state-run Children's Health Insurance Programs can provide coverage, if needed, for children of higher income families.

Health insurance coverage will be most effectively secured for the family additions brought about by engagement, marriage or the birth of a child by carefully and promptly following the above guidelines.