Just as God graciously offers adoption into his family, we have the opportunity to welcome adopted children into ours. The U.S. Department of State reports annual adoption of more than 1,500 children internationally,1 while the National Council for Adoption states that more than 115,000 children were adopted domestically.2 Adoption offers these children love, support and stability while filling a special place within your family.
And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18 (CSB)
When planning for adoption, it’s essential to make sure your health plan will cover your child’s medical needs and that your life insurance is sufficient to protect your growing family. How does adoption work with health and life coverage? Asking critical questions can help protect you and your newest family member as you receive this child with open arms.
If your adoption journey involves travel, whether out-of-state or to another country, what happens if you get sick on the way to your destination? Or what if your newly adopted child needs a prescription medication before you head back home? If your plan doesn’t offer coverage outside your immediate area, you may want to consider purchasing additional health coverage for adopted children, you, your spouse and anyone else traveling with you.
Accessing health care overseas can be especially challenging. If your health plan does offer international coverage, ask the following questions to be prepared:
At GuideStone®, we understand the unique challenges of obtaining medical care overseas for those traveling for adoption. To help provide the protection and care you need — no matter where you are — our international health plans offer the following:
Access to Health Care Professionals at Home and Abroad
Support When and Where You Need It Most
As you plan for adoption, find out how to add a child to your plan. Consider asking your health plan provider the following:
Adoption qualifies as a special enrollment event for GuideStone health plans, which means that underwriting is not required if you notify us within the required timeframe. You typically have 60 days to inform us of placement for adoption, and coverage is effective on the date of the event.
If your adopted child needs speech, occupational or physical rehab, find out if your plan offers coverage with the following questions:
To promote the well-being and development of your adopted child, GuideStone health plans offer speech, occupational and physical rehab.
The adoption of a child brings great joy and fulfillment to your family. At the same time, language barriers, cultural differences, adjustments to change and other factors can be challenging at times for the parents, adopted child or siblings. Mental health services can help families navigate the journey together, so find out if your health plan offers this type of care.
Not only does GuideStone value adoption and mental health, but we also value sound advice and biblical counsel. That’s why we advocate for faith-based mental health services from Christian providers who can offer treatment anchored in biblical principles. If your Christian counselor of choice isn’t part of your network, you may still have the option to use funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) to help pay for the visits on a pre-tax basis.
The years when your kids are young are some of the most critical for having sufficient life insurance coverage. Is your policy enough for your spouse to cover the day-to-day expenses of running a home and caring for the children? College expenses for children should also be part of the equation.
How much coverage do you need for your expanding family? Use GuideStone’s life insurance calculator to get an estimate.
There are countless preparations in the adoption process, including health care and life insurance coverage. At GuideStone, we’re here to help you through this and answer your questions. Our vision is that every servant of Christ finishes well™, which includes financial security and resilience as you advance the Kingdom of God and welcome a child into your home as your own. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
GuideStone welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
1travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/adopt_ref/adoption-statistics-esri.html
2adoptioncouncil.org/research/adoption-by-the-numbers
Article
• Mar 12, 2024 