[sweetpeasmama]

We are expecting our little one in oh about a month and I am starting a checklist of what we need to get done before s/he arrives. As I was writing the list I realized that we will need a SS # and a birth certificate in order to get him/her health insurance. Since this is our first time having a homebirth, I have no idea how to go about getting these! Would any of you happen to know how to apply for these things? And what is the timeline like? Any info would be so helpful! Thanks!!

 

[mary3mama]

Are you using a midwife. Around here, some of the mw's have the paperwork for you to fill out and file...others know the routine and can fill you in.

Other than that, I'd check in your tribe, as it probably differs from state to state. Around here, we've found that it differs by county, as each county's representative 'requires' different things.

 

[teachinmaof3]

Ask your mw how she does it.

Here in OK it's pretty easy to get a birth cert. I got one just fine for my son who was born UC.

I'm assuming it's the same everywhere but there is a box on the birth cert form that you check if you want a SSN issued.

 

[Paige CPM]

You do need to have these things eventually for your insurance and you will get them by applying for your birth cert. You shouldn't have to worry about the insurance, they just go by your word and then process the billing w ss number or bc when you have the rest of the info. At least that is how it works in MA. But as the others have said your midwife will know and of course you can call your insurance too.

Best, Paige

 

[boscopup]

Insurance adds baby onto your policy right away, and you just send them the bc/SS info later when you get them (even when birthing in a hospital, it takes time to get those). In my state, the hospital files the bc (where I'll be birthing, the midwife will file it, and the state gives her 10 days to do so), and then I had to go to the SS office myself to get that paperwork filled out, and I think I had to bring the bc with me? So the SS doesn't get done until you have the bc. At least I think that's what happened. It's been 2 years.

:

If you're using a midwife, she should know what needs to be done and by whom. If you're doing a UC, go check the UC forum and ask about your state's requirements for getting a bc issued.

 

[sweetpeasmama]

Thanks everybody! I will be sure to ask our midwife at our next appt on Tuesday. I was getting nervous about it because although my son is on the state health insurance- I do not have health insurance. (Long complicated story.) So the baby will be born without health insurance and we will have to process it as soon as I can get the paperwork together to put him/her on. Like I won't have enough on my hands...

Thanks again!

 

[tropicalpunkin]

Hi, I was on medicaid when my 2nd son was born and they sent me an insurance card that said "Baby" before he was born if I recall correctly. You said you do not have insurance and it's a long story, but have you checked into applying for Medicaid being pregnant? They might make sure your baby is insured before he/she is born.

As for the birth certificate and SS#, my midwife told me that I fill out paperwork and then after the baby is born they go back to the birth center and file everything from there within 5 days... and I will automatically be issued an SS# and receive both in the mail.

 

[Princessenoire]

I'm having a UC in Oct, in upstate NY. We were just told we'd have to pick up the forms from the county clerk's office and bring in proof of pregnancy and someone who could attest the baby came out of me (my husband said we should get our son to sign - he'll be six and would be SO proud, but I'm sure it has to be an adult). Then you file the papers there, no problem. I think, though, that the NYC area has their own regulations that might be different than NYS laws, but it's not that difficult in any case.