Health Care for Low-Income Expecting Mothers

Medicaid For Pregnant Women

Medicaid for Pregnant Women is a health care program that helps low-income expecting mothers get the care they need during pregnancy. This program covers doctor visits, tests, medicine, hospital stays for childbirth and care after the baby is born. It's designed to make sure you and your baby have access to health care without worrying about high costs.

If you're pregnant, you might qualify for Medicaid even if you haven't qualified before. Income requirements are different for pregnant women, allowing those who may not normally qualify to get help too. Once you're approved, you can get medical care during your pregnancy and up to 12 months after your baby is born.

For more details, including income guidelines, visit the Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal page.

CHIP Perinatal

CHIP-P is for pregnant women who can't get Medicaid and don't have other health insurance. It helps cover doctor visits for your pregnancy and care for your newborn. This means you can still get the medical care you and your baby need during your pregnancy, even if you don't qualify for Medicaid.

Once your baby is born, it may be covered by CHIP or Medicaid benefits, depending on your income.

For more details, including income guidelines, visit the Medicaid for Pregnant Women and CHIP Perinatal page. If you still have questions, read CHIP Perinatal FAQs to learn more.

Title V Maternal and Child Health Program

The Title V Maternal and Child Health Program is for women, children, and young adults who can't get Medicaid, CHIP, or CHIP-P. It helps them get the medical services they need to stay healthy. The program helps mothers and their children both before and after the baby is born.

Women who qualify can get medical and dental care during pregnancy and for up to 90 days after having the baby. Children and young adults who qualify can get medical and dental care from when they are born until they are 21 years old.

This program also provides counseling and education services to support moms in taking care of their health and their children's health.

For more details on services through Title V, see the Title V Maternal and Child Health Fee-for-Service Program page. You can also call 2-1-1 to find a local clinic.

What If I Don’t Qualify?

If you’re expecting a baby and you don’t qualify for assistance through programs like Medicaid, CHIP-P, or Title V, you may still be able to get health care through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

You can apply for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage during open enrollment or a special enrollment period. If you do not qualify for a special enrollment period, you can apply once your baby is born. Having a baby qualifies you for a special enrollment period.

Learn more at Healthcare.gov.