Can I add my newborn to health insurance without a birth certificate?

Employer/COBRA Insurance Forum
42

@Vail
I didn’t know I could amend the certificate for my new first name. Do you know where I can find info on how to do that?

43

When we adopted our daughter, we were able to change the parents’ names on the birth certificate, so there’s definitely a process to do that later on.

44

Lennox said:
When we adopted our daughter, we were able to change the parents’ names on the birth certificate, so there’s definitely a process to do that later on.

Thanks for sharing! Did you use a lawyer to change the names? I haven’t found much info online about how to update parent names on birth certificates.

45

@Lyric
Yeah, there was a lawyer involved for the adoption, so I assume they handled the paperwork for the birth certificate changes. Sorry I can’t be more help, but it’s definitely possible.

46

Lennox said:
@Lyric
Yeah, there was a lawyer involved for the adoption, so I assume they handled the paperwork for the birth certificate changes. Sorry I can’t be more help, but it’s definitely possible.

That’s really helpful, thank you. Do you remember if it was a family lawyer you worked with? I’d like to find the right type of lawyer for this.

47

Add your newborn to insurance ASAP, you can always update the names later. I added mine right after birth because they needed NICU care. The birth certificate can come later.

48

Finnian said:
Add your newborn to insurance ASAP, you can always update the names later. I added mine right after birth because they needed NICU care. The birth certificate can come later.

I definitely want to add her right away, but I’m worried if they’ll let me without the birth certificate. I’m just overthinking, wondering if the different name on her birth certificate will make it harder to prove she’s my child later.

49

The birth certificate is about proving the baby’s identity, not yours. As long as the baby’s info matches the records, you should be fine. Many HR departments accept other documents, like the hospital’s birth record or a birth announcement. Just ask your HR team what they’ll accept if you’re worried.

50

@Zen
Thanks! That’s great advice. I’ll talk to HR.