Health Journalism Glossary

The Birthday rule

  • Health Policy

The birthday rule dictates which health insurance company would be the primary source of insurance coverage for a newborn when both parents have health insurance coverage. The rule requires that the parent whose birthday comes first in the calendar year would cover the cost of delivering the new baby regardless of whether one parent has better health coverage for a newborn than the other. Parents consider the rule to be unfair because it prevents them from choosing which insurer would cover their health costs.

Share: