Financial Aid Assistance

While pregnancy can be an exciting time, it can also be a stressful time because of the extra expenses related to prenatal care and preparing for a new baby. You and your baby deserve to be healthy and have the best care available. There is financial aid and other programs available for women who need assistance.

State and local health departments, community free clinics, and other organizations offer medical care for women during and after pregnancy, and care for babies and children. There is a special government program for women, infants, and children called WIC in every state and territory in the U.S. WIC provides assistance with food, nutritional counseling, and access to health services. After your baby is born, health insurance is available in each state through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This program benefits the 11 million children under age 18 who do not have insurance.

Contacting your state or local health department is a good starting point to find out about what is available in your area. Your local or state health department can supply you with information on health insurance, medical care, and other programs, along with eligibility requirements. You can also talk to a social worker at your local hospital or social service agency for resource information. Local resource information can also be found in the phone book and on the Internet.